Homemade Granola

Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe from USA - Quick Oatmeal, Peanuts, Raisins, and More!

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Granola is a popular breakfast and snack food made from rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners. It is often baked until crispy and can be enjoyed on its own or with yogurt, milk, or fruit. Homemade granola allows you to customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

History

Granola was invented in the United States in the late 19th century as a health food. It was originally made with whole grains, nuts, and honey, and was marketed as a nutritious and energy-boosting breakfast option. Over the years, granola has evolved to include a variety of ingredients and flavors, making it a versatile and delicious snack.

Ingredients

4 cups of uncooked quick oatmeal
1 cup of chopped peanuts (no skins)
0.5 cup of grape-nuts
0.5 cup of bran
0.25 cup of granulated sugar substitute
0.33 cup of vegetable oil
0.5 cup of wheat germ
0.5 cup of raisins

How to prepare

Spread the oatmeal on a cookie sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes.
Combine all ingredients except for the wheat germ and raisins.
Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet or pan for 20 minutes, stirring once to ensure even browning.
Allow the mixture to toast in the oven.
Add the wheat germ and raisins.
Refrigerate in glass jars or plastic containers.

Variations

Add dried fruit such as cranberries, apricots, or cherries for a sweeter flavor.
Use different nuts and seeds such as almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and variety.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to spread the oatmeal evenly on the cookie sheet to ensure even baking.

- Stir the granola mixture halfway through baking to prevent burning and ensure even browning.

- Store granola in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent it from becoming stale.

Serving Suggestions

Serve granola with yogurt, milk, or fruit for a satisfying breakfast or snack.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar substitute.

- Substitute almond or coconut oil for vegetable oil.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare a large batch of granola and store it in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Presentation Ideas

Serve granola in a glass jar or bowl with a spoon for easy serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair granola with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 280 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1.5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Granola is a good source of iron, magnesium, and zinc.

Alergens

Contains peanuts and wheat.

Summary

Homemade granola is a nutritious and delicious breakfast or snack option that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for any time of day.

Summary

Homemade granola is a versatile and nutritious breakfast or snack option that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, granola is a satisfying and delicious choice for any time of day.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Homemade Granola. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl helping out in my mother's kitchen. We had a family friend who was a health nut and always talked about the benefits of eating natural foods. One day, she brought over a batch of homemade granola that she had made herself. It was love at first bite.

The crunchy oats, nuts, and dried fruits all blended together perfectly, creating a delicious and nutritious snack that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I asked her for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. From that moment on, my love affair with homemade granola began.

Over the years, I have perfected my own version of the recipe, adding in my own twist with different nuts, seeds, and spices. I have shared this recipe with friends and family, and it has become a staple in our household. Making a fresh batch of homemade granola has become a weekly ritual for me, bringing joy and satisfaction to my heart and stomach alike.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can customize it to your liking, adding in your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. I have experimented with different combinations over the years, but one thing remains constant - the love and care that goes into each batch.

To make this Homemade Granola, you will need the following ingredients:

- 4 cups rolled oats

- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)

- 1/2 cup seeds (such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds)

- 1/2 cup shredded coconut

- 1/4 cup maple syrup

- 1/4 cup honey

- 1/4 cup coconut oil

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots)

To begin, preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, and shredded coconut. In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup, honey, and coconut oil over low heat until melted. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.

Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Spread the granola mixture out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even baking.

Once the granola is golden brown and crisp, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, stir in the dried fruits and transfer the granola to an airtight container for storage. This Homemade Granola will keep for up to two weeks at room temperature.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this Homemade Granola as much as I do. It is a labor of love that brings me joy and nourishment every time I make it. Remember, cooking is a form of art and expression - so don't be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. Happy baking!