Granola

I published this recipe back in 2019 and it has been one recipe I make over and over again!  When one batch is gone I make another!  I even have a designated basket that holds all the ingredients in my pantry which makes it easy to grab the basket and pull this recipe together quickly.  It's loaded with oats, nuts, and coconut, with a touch of maple flavor and has big crunchy clusters.  It's good sprinkled on yogurt or even by the handful.  The best part is it's easy to make.  Okay, the best part is eating it by the handful! 

 

In my pantry I keep all the ingredients in this basket except for  maple syrup is in the fridge and I keep nuts fresh in the freezer once opened.

This is the coconut I've been buying at Trader joes, coconut chips.  At other grocery stores I sometime see it called coconut flakes. This is the  texture you'll want, thinly shaved pieces of coconut.  Also I like to buy my nuts at Trader Joes as the prices are great!

I came across liquid coconut oil recently and I like to use it instead of the solid coconut oil as it's so much easier to measure.

 

• INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats (NOT instant)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut chips or flakes (large chips/flakes DO NOT used shredded, it will burn)
• 1/2 cup slivered raw almonds *see note
• 1/2 cup raw pecan halves or walnuts *see note
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• pinch sea salt (or kosher salt)
• 3 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1/3 cup real 100% PURE maple syrup (only use the real maple syrup)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

 

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. VERY IMPORTANT - Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or it will stick to the pan, set aside.
2. Add oats, coconut and nuts to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
3. To a  small microwave-safe bowl ( I used a glass measuring cup) add brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, coconut oil, maple syrup; stir and heat for 45 seconds.  Stir.  If not totally combined put in the microwave 20 seconds more and mix. Add vanilla and mix again.
4. Immediately pour over the dry ingredients and lightly stir to combine until all oats and nuts are thoroughly coated. Arrange on a large baking sheet (covered with parchment paper) and spread into an even layer.
5. Bake for 10 minutes, turning the pan around (so it bakes evenly) and bake 10 minutes more.   Watch carefully so it doesn't burn.  Everyone's oven is different so if you may need a few less or more minutes. Do not stir!!  You'll know it's done when the granola is golden brown.
6. Do not stir!  Let it cool COMPLETELY before breaking into clusters.
   
   
7. Store in a sealed bag or container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
     

    *Add any combination of (unsalted) nuts/seeds that you like, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, slivered almonds,  or pecans.

Recipe adapted from https://minimalistbaker.com/super-chunky-coconut-granola/