Homemade Granola

 

Homemade granola is the best, I can snack on it constantly, as it's one of those simple pleasures you can bake in little time. It is a recipe that is so adaptable to your tastes and virtually effortless plus the smell as it bakes is so wonderfully comforting. Have it for breakfast or a moreish snack or sprinkle as a topping over desserts and baked goods, do not hold back because as is or added to whatever you wish it's deliciously inviting all the same. 

Homemade Granola 

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3 cups large flaked oats

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup coconut flakes

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons olive oil or melted coconut oil

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

3 tablespoons smooth almond butter

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup dried golden raisins

Preheat oven to 300ºF (150ºC). Line a large baking tray with baking parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl combine the oats, chopped walnuts, sliced almonds, coconut flakes, cinnamon and salt. Drizzle in the olive oil and honey and then add the almond butter. Stir until combined. Spoon the granola onto the prepared baking sheet and lightly spread it out, then using a spatula press the granola mixture down, doing this will encourage clumping to form large crunchy clusters. 

Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and using a spoon or fork gently break the granola apart just a bit. Bake for another 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and sprinkle with the dried cranberries and golden raisins and allow to cool for about 15  to 20 minutes before serving or cool completely before storing in an air tight container. 

Crunchy Snack Mix

 

As snacks go and they go quickly this is one that will breathe new life into that box of cereal sitting on your shelf. Its versatility is a virtue here and depending on your tastes ingredients may be added or substituted. For all the minimal effort this sweet crunchy snack mix will help energize you through your day.    

Crunchy Snack Mix 

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Serves 4

2 cups (500ml) Honey Shreddies

1/2 cup (125ml) coconut flakes

1/2 cup (125ml) pumpkin seeds

2 tablespoons (30 ml) sesame seeds

2 tablespoons (30ml) ground flax seed

1 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, optional

2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil or melted coconut oil

1/4 cup (60 ml) dark chocolate chips

1/4 cup (60 ml) dried cranberries

1/4 cup (60 ml) golden raisins 

Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºc). Line a large baking tray with baking parchment and set aside. 

In a large bowl mix the Honey Shreddies, coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, ground flax seed. Pour the olive oil or melted coconut oil over the ingredients and stir everything together until coated. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon, if using. Spread the mixture on the prepared lined baking tray.

Bake, stirring once, in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the mixture is lightly toasted. Allow to cool completely. 

Add the chocolate chips, dried cranberries and golden raisins to the toasted cereal mixture and stir everything together. Store in a ziplock bag or airtight container.