Granola Goodness

Today I would like to share one of my most used recipes ever- Crunchy Granola.  It is a staple at our house and a large jar is usually sent home with my girls when I make a big batch.  This recipe can be made as is or easily customized to your taste.  It is often customized by what is in the pantry when I make it !   Find the recipe at the end of the post.

love to use old jars to store my pantry staples

be sure to choose a nice large mixing bowl to avoid throwing the ingredients around the counter while trying to stir it all.  this tip obviously comes from experience at flinging

spreading the ingredients out evenly helps avoid burning.
again, the voice of experience

imagine the wonderful aroma of oats, coconut and honey baking

love the super large jars for storing a double batch of granola

this is my breakfast most mornings, sometimes with a little vanilla yogurt stirred in.
must admit that the cloth napkin and pretty scalloped plate are not an everyday thing.
cups, bowls and plates from allthingswhite.etsy.com

breakfast done, time to hit the estate sales...

Crunchy Granola

In a large bowl combine the following ingredients and mix well.

6 cups of rolled oats (not quick oats)

1/4 cup of wheat germ or flax meal

1/4 cup of coconut    

1/2 cup chopped almonds

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1/2 tsp kosher salt

2 tbls brown sugar

In a small bowl combine the following ingredients and whisk together.

1/3 cup maple syrup-   if you are not a fan of maple, just use more honey and juice

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup pineapple juice

1/2 tsp almond extract

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Pour the liquid over the oat mixture and stir well.  ***  I usually microwave the liquid for 20 seconds or so and it becomes thinner and easier to pour and stir.  Spread onto two cookie sheets and bake at 350 degrees for 1/2 hour or until it is as brown as you like it.  Stir once or twice during baking.

Cool and store in an airtight container.  Keeps for weeks.    

I usually make a double batch because I am a fan of quantity cooking to save time.

Enjoy,  Kathi