Chunky Granola Treat

Chunky Granola Treat Recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chunky Granola Treat is a delicious and nutritious snack that is perfect for breakfast or as a midday pick-me-up. Packed with oats, nuts, coconut, and dates, this granola treat is sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and crunchy.

History

Granola has been around for centuries, with roots dating back to the 19th century. Originally created as a health food, granola has evolved over the years to become a popular snack enjoyed by people of all ages. The addition of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits has made granola a versatile and delicious treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

Ingredients

2 cups of old-fashioned oats
0.75 cup of whole almonds, halved
0.5 cup of sweetened flaked coconut
0.5 cup of raw cashews
0.33 cup of firmly packed brown sugar
1.5 tsp of ground allspice
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
0.25 cup of unsalted butter
2 tbsp of honey
1 cup of packed pitted dates, each cut crosswise into thirds

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C).
In a large bowl, mix together oats, almonds, coconut, cashews, sugar, allspice, and cinnamon to make the granola mixture.
In a saucepan, melt the butter with honey over low heat.
Add the granola mixture to the saucepan and toss well to coat.
Spread out the mixture on a cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
Stir the mixture every 4 or 5 minutes to ensure even baking.
After 20 minutes, add in the dates and separate any clumps that may have formed.
Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the granola is golden brown.
Allow the granola to cool before serving.

Variations

Add dried cranberries or raisins for a sweeter flavor.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different taste.
Mix in chia seeds or flaxseeds for added nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to stir the granola mixture every few minutes while baking to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.

- Store the granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy for longer.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Chunky Granola Treat with yogurt, milk, or as a topping for smoothie bowls.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use maple syrup instead of honey.

- Substitute pecans or walnuts for almonds or cashews.

- Use gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the granola mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chunky Granola Treat in a bowl with a dollop of yogurt and fresh berries on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chunky Granola Treat with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delicious and satisfying snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Chunky Granola Treat in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (149°C) for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chunky Granola Treat contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chunky Granola Treat contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chunky Granola Treat contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chunky Granola Treat contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chunky Granola Treat is a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin E.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Chunky Granola Treat is a nutritious snack that is high in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a quick and satisfying snack.

Summary

Chunky Granola Treat is a delicious and nutritious snack that is easy to make and perfect for any time of day. Packed with oats, nuts, coconut, and dates, this granola treat is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it on its own or as a topping for yogurt, smoothie bowls, or ice cream.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Chunky Granola Treat. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small town surrounded by rolling green hills and fields of sunflowers. My mother had always been an excellent cook, and she had passed down her love for cooking to me. I spent countless hours in the kitchen with her, watching and learning as she whipped up delicious meals and treats.

One day, while flipping through an old and tattered cookbook that had been handed down to my mother from her own mother, I came across a recipe for Chunky Granola Treat. The description caught my eye immediately - a crunchy and chewy mixture of oats, nuts, and dried fruit, sweetened with honey and brown sugar. It sounded like the perfect snack for a busy day, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

I gathered the ingredients from the pantry - rolled oats, almonds, dried cranberries, honey, brown sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract. As I measured and mixed, the sweet and nutty aroma filled the kitchen, bringing back memories of lazy summer days spent baking with my mother. I spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and popped it into the oven, eagerly awaiting the final result.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the tray of Chunky Granola Treat out of the oven and let it cool before breaking it into bite-sized chunks. The first taste was heavenly - the perfect balance of crunchy and chewy, sweet and nutty. I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

I shared the Chunky Granola Treat with my family and friends, and it quickly became a favorite among them. They marveled at my newfound baking skills and begged me for the recipe. I was more than happy to share it with them, passing on the delicious treat and the joy of baking to others.

Over the years, I continued to make the Chunky Granola Treat, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. I added different nuts and dried fruits, experimented with different sweeteners, and even threw in a handful of chocolate chips from time to time. Each batch was a new creation, a delicious blend of flavors and textures that never failed to satisfy.

As I grew older, I realized that the Chunky Granola Treat was more than just a snack - it was a connection to my past, to my mother and grandmother who had taught me the joys of cooking. It was a reminder of the simple pleasures in life, of taking the time to create something with love and care.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I find joy in passing down the recipe for Chunky Granola Treat to my own grandchildren. I teach them the art of measuring and mixing, of patience and precision, of turning a handful of ingredients into something truly special. And as we gather in the kitchen, laughing and sharing stories, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple recipe that has brought us all together.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a delicious and satisfying snack, look no further than the Chunky Granola Treat. It may just become a beloved tradition in your own family, passed down from generation to generation, just like it has in mine.