I think every recipe has a story- weather it is an old family top secret recipe, one gleaned from a girlfriend years ago or a recent new favourite found in a magazine. So I am changing my recipe posts a bit to include more of the back story- to give credit where credit is due because it is certainly not me standing in a kitchen inventing these delicious concoctions! So I'm starting off with a pretty and girly breakfast favourite home made granola - P.S. it is only pretty and girly because I decided to make it this way today- but trust me boys like it too!
Who: My Mom- Shirley Becker
What: Authentic 1970's home made granola- totally groovy man!
When: My mom gave me this recipe when I was in university- a poor art student who was really struggling with a mono- diet of Mr. Noodles- this was a cheap and healthy way to help start my day. I have made it for years and have created my own favourite combinations of flavours- this makes a great gift and can be customized to any specific diet.
Where: Oven 350F
Why: because you love your body and want to start the day off right, you can load it up with all sorts of organic goodies and it will be way less expensive than anything that comes in a box labeled "Organic" and it is super easy to make!
How:
1-2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3 cups large old fashioned flake oats
1 cup oat bran or wheat germ
1 cup sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds or walnuts
1 cup unsweetened coconut
dash of salt
1 cup honey or maple syrup
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp almond extract
1 cup fruit- raisins, dried cranberries, apricots
- in a large bowl dump in all your dry ingredients- mix very well to make sure there is even distribution of spices- except the fruit- leave out the fruit until the end it does not get baked
- in a small sauce pan over low heat combine syrup and oil until warm- remove from heat and add in almond extract- pour over mixture and mix well- stirring to coat
- on a parchment lined baking sheet evenly distribute raw granola mixture- bake until golden brown- about 30 min- stirring at the 15 minute mark- remove from oven and stir in fruit.
- Cool and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks- although we are lucky if it last a week in these parts!
yumm I lov granola. I make it often, it's a great thing the kids can get involved in. I also like to add puffed millet or something like that after to help change up the texture, and always add cocoa nibs. Yumm. Seriously, you need to move next door to me!
ReplyDeleteThat is an excellent idea- next time I head to the bulk store I will get some! I also often use this to clear our my pantry- use up odds and ends of baking stuff. And hey we would love to live next door to you- lets find the Mr a job down there!
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