As the top of the yr speeds towards us, we’ve kicked into full-on gift-giving mode. And nothing makes people really feel extra appreciated than a do-it-yourself reward, particularly one they will eat and share.
For me, granola is all the time the reply.
A ravishing jar of crunchy, chewy, barely candy granola for fast breakfasts, tossing onto little bowls of yogurt or skyr, or (in case you are my older son) grabbing by the handful each time you move by way of the kitchen.
Granola is so customizable that when you begin enjoying round with it, making it could possibly grow to be virtually as addictive as consuming it. Change up the dried fruits, use all maple syrup or all honey, add a little bit of crystallized ginger or a pinch of floor cloves.
As a result of nut allergic reactions are so prevalent (I converse from private expertise), holding your granola nut-free will make it a present that just about everybody can take pleasure in.
Many store-bought granolas have plenty of added fats and sugar. This recipe has a way more manageable quantity of oil and sweeteners. Be aware this granola is vegetarian however not vegan, because of the honey and egg whites. The egg whites assist create good little clumps of granola with out necessitating the addition of extra fats or sugar.
That is additionally an incredible recipe for getting the children concerned. They’ll measure, combine and unfold every little thing out on the baking sheet. With supervision across the sizzling baking sheet, older youngsters can gently stir the granola throughout baking.
BAKING TIPS
As a result of the dried fruit will burn if baked too lengthy, add it to the oat combine solely throughout the second a part of bake time. Baking it lets it turns into chewy and included into the combination.
If you need your granola crunchier, bake the oat half a bit longer earlier than stirring within the fruit.
In the event you’re sure that nut allergic reactions aren’t a problem, add a handful or two of chopped nuts once you add the dried fruit halfway by way of baking.
This granola retains for 3 weeks in a cool place, nicely sealed (although I’ve by no means as soon as had it final that lengthy).
PRESENTATION
I prefer to package deal up this granola in clear glass Mason jars with hooked up lids, with cheery ribbons and labels. It’s also possible to discover jars which have spoons hooked up.
Take into consideration including some ideas on somewhat card hooked up to the jar for the way the recipients can use the granola. Advocate utilizing it as a topping for every little thing from ice cream to yogurt, a complement to oatmeal, a dip for a banana, or blended right into a crumble on a fruit crisp.
You may double or triple the recipe simply – and I all the time do, as a result of I don’t need to give all of it away!
Granola Recipe
Elements:
¼ cup honey
¼ cup pure maple syrup
2 giant egg whites
⅓ cup vegetable oil, plus oil for the baking sheet (non-compulsory)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon floor cinnamon
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon grated orange zest, non-compulsory
4 cups old school oats, not quick-cooking
2 cups blended chopped dried fruit akin to apricots or prune, and/or dried cherries, blueberries, cranberries and raisins
Nonstick cooking spray (non-compulsory)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 275°F.
Place the honey, maple syrup, egg whites, oil, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and orange zest, if utilizing, in a big bowl and blend till nicely blended. Set 1⁄2 cup of the honey combination apart in a medium-size bowl.
Add the oats to the big bowl and blend with a spoon or your arms till every little thing is nicely mixed and coated.
Add the dried fruit to the reserved 1⁄2 cup of the honey combination and stir to mix. Set the dried fruit combination apart.
Spray a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray, or coat it flippantly with oil, or line it with parchment paper. Unfold the oat combination out on the ready baking sheet in a skinny, even layer. Bake the oat combination for half-hour (see Baking Tip above).
Add the dried fruit combination to the oat combination and stir nicely with a spoon or spatula to mix. Unfold the granola out once more in a fair layer. Bake it till the oats are golden brown and crunchy, 25 to half-hour, stirring it as soon as extra midway by way of the baking time, however go away some clumps! Let the granola cool on the baking sheet on a wire rack.
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Katie Workman writes repeatedly about meals for The Related Press. She has written two cookbooks targeted on family-friendly cooking, “Dinner Solved!” and “The Mother 100 Cookbook.” She blogs at She will be reached at Katie@themom100.com.
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