Great Granola Recipe

ilovebailey · 03-14-2008, 12:14 PM

Great Granola
One formula, eight yummy variations

Tired of spending

$6.95 for a 10-ounce package of gourmet granola? Then don't. Here's an easy master formula. Follow one of the eight variations, or use one to inspire your own cereal blueprint.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT OATS:

For the best results, reach for old-fashioned (not quick) oats, which will bake into crisp, golden granola. Cereal made with quick oats clusters better, but the texture is powdery, not crisp, and it tastes of raw starch.

CREATE CLUSTERS:

To help the cereal cluster, add a smidgen of water. In combination with the oil and liquid sweetener, the water mixes with the wheat germ to create a delicious mortar. Squeeze the cereal with your hands before baking to seal the bond and form small clumps.

USE BOTH LIQUID AND DRY SWEETENERS:

I prefer straight maple syrup, but try honey or a combination of honey and maple syrup, or maple syrup and molasses. Mix the brown sugar with the dry ingredients; it will sit on the cereal's surface to add color and flavor. You can reduce the sweetener slightly (omit the brown sugar), but you may need to increase the baking time to achieve the best color. If serving the granola with milk or over plain yogurt, remember that it needs to be sweet enough to carry the dairy, as well. And don't forget salt: Just a pinch brings out the cereal's flavors.

BAKE AT A LOW TEMPERATURE:

That helps the cereal to crisp up and brown thoroughly and evenly. Add the dried fruit partway through baking so it dries out just enough to keep the cereal from turning soggy.
You can double the recipe, but bake the granola in two pans. You also may need to increase cooking time. The key is to cook the granola until it is an impressive golden brown.

Master Granola Recipe

Makes 1 quart

Adjust oven rack to middle position, and heat oven to 275 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13-inch metal pan with cooking spray, then set aside. Mix oats, wheat germ, brown sugar, salt and Extra Ingredients --except dried fruit -- in a bowl. Bring syrup, oil, water and any Flavoring indicated below to a simmer in a saucepan over low heat. Drizzle over oat mixture, and stir to combine. Pour mixture onto prepared pan. Working a handful at a time, squeeze cereal to form small clumps. Bake for 30 minutes. Stir in dried fruit. Continue to bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes longer. Let cool. (Granola can be stored in an airtight tin for up to two weeks.)

2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup wheat germ
2 Tbs. dark brown sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup Extra Ingredients (see complete list below)
1/4 cup maple syrup
3 Tbs. flavorless oil, such as vegetable or canola
1 Tb. water
Flavoring (see below)

1. Classic Granola

Extra Ingredients: 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, 1/3 cup sweetened flake coconut, 1/3 cup dark or golden raisins
Flavoring: 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
You can replace the 1/4 cup of maple syrup with 2 Tbs. each of maple syrup and molasses.

2. Crunchy Granola

Extra Ingredients: 1/4 cup slivered almonds, 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, 2 Tbs. sesame seeds, 6 Tbs. currants
Flavoring: none

3. Granola with Tropical Flavoring

Add the coconut along with the cashews and banana chips.
Extra Ingredients: 1/4 cup chopped roasted unsalted cashews, 1/4 cup chopped banana chips, 1/4 cup sweetened flake coconut, 1/4 cup chopped dried pineapple
Flavoring: 1/2 tsp. ground ginger

4. Granola with Cherries and Almonds

Extra Ingredients: 1/3 cup sliced almonds, 1/3 cup sweetened flake coconut, 1/3 cup dried cherries
Flavoring: 3/4 tsp. almond extract

5. Trail Mix Granola

Extra Ingredients: 1/4 cup chopped roasted unsalted peanuts, 1/4 cup sweetened flake coconut, 1/4 cup dark or golden raisins, 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips*
Flavoring: none
*Stir chips into the granola only after it has completely cooled.

6. Orange-Berry Granola with Pecans

Extra Ingredients: 1/2 cup chopped pecans,1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup dried blueberries
Flavoring: 1/2 tsp. finely grated orange zest

7. Pear Granola with Hazelnuts and Vanilla

Extra Ingredients: 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts, 1/4 cup chopped dried cherries, 1/4 cup chopped dried pears
Flavoring: 1 tsp. vanilla extract

8. Orange-Flavored Granola with Pistachios, Mangos and Dates

Extra Ingredients: 1/2 cup chopped roasted pistachios, 1/4 cup chopped dates, 1/4 cup chopped dried mangos
Flavoring: 1/2 tsp. finely grated orange zest and 1/4 tsp. allspice

Nutritional information for granola and variations. Based on 1/2 cup servings.

Classic Granola: 256 calories, 6g protein, 34.9g carbohydrates, 11.4g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 3.9g fiber, 85mg sodium.
Crunchy Granola: 255 calories, 7.3g protein, 30.2g carbohydrates, 12.7g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 4.6g fiber, 77mg sodium.
Tropical Granola: 257 calories, 5.8g protein, 35.3g carbohydrates, 11.3g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 3.8g fiber, 84mg sodium.
Granola with Cherries & Almonds: 258 calories, 6.6g protein, 34.2g carbohydrates, 11.1g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 4.4g fiber, 85mg sodium.
Trail Mix Granola: 270 calories, 6.5g protein, 37.3g carbohydrates, 12g fat , 0mg cholesterol, 4.1g fiber, 229mg sodium.
Orange-Berry Granola with Pecans: 264 calories, 5.7g protein, 34.3g carbohydrates, 12.5g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 4.4g fiber, 78mg sodium.
Pear Granola with Hazelnuts & Vanilla: 272 calories, 6,5g protein, 35.9g carbohydrates, 12.3g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 4.7g fiber, 78mg sodium.
Orange-Flavored Granola with Pistachios, Mangoes & Dates: 259 calories, 6.7g protein, 36.1g carbohydrates, 10.9g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 4.4g fiber, 80mg sodium.

Tiffers1984 · 03-14-2008, 02:46 PM

I usually by my granola from a co-op store but it's pretty expensive even there. It's like a treat for me to buy some. Thanks for this!

Paola · 03-26-2008, 05:06 PM

This is going to sound like a stupid question, but, what is granola exactly ?
I mean, I know what it is, what it looks like, but where does it come from ?

Tiffers1984 · 03-26-2008, 05:39 PM

God Bless Wikipedia

Granola is a breakfast food and snack food consisting of rolled oats, nuts, honey and sometimes rice, which is baked until crispy. During the baking process the mixture is stirred to maintain a loose, breakfast cereal type consistency. Dried fruit, particularly raisins or dates, are sometimes also added.
Besides being a breakfast food and snack food, granola is often eaten when hiking or camping because it is lightweight, high in energy, and easy to store

Paola · 03-26-2008, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiffers1984

God Bless Wikipedia

Granola is a breakfast food and snack food consisting of rolled oats, nuts, honey and sometimes rice, which is baked until crispy. During the baking process the mixture is stirred to maintain a loose, breakfast cereal type consistency. Dried fruit, particularly raisins or dates, are sometimes also added.
Besides being a breakfast food and snack food, granola is often eaten when hiking or camping because it is lightweight, high in energy, and easy to store

So basically it's just a mixture of a bunch of things......rolled oats, nuts, honey.......okay, gotcha. Thanks.

unctoothlady · 04-06-2008, 10:42 PM

I like to use dried blueberries and almonds in mine...DELISH!!!

nikbee · 04-07-2008, 09:22 AM

I am so glad that you posted this recipe. I have tried other ones and really didn't like them as well as what I can buy. And they are expensive. Thanks so much!

soulfulqween · 04-07-2008, 11:17 AM

Oh this is great!!

Thanks for posting!!

ilovebailey · 04-07-2008, 02:10 PM

I'm glad you girls like it so much! I got this recipe from my boss. I am very picky about granola but I love this. And it is so pricey in the stores so this will save you money. My favorite is #4 with Almonds and Cherries, sometimes I use cranberries. I mix it with organic yogurt and it really satisfies my sweet tooth and fills me up.

unctoothlady · 04-07-2008, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovebailey

I'm glad you girls like it so much! I got this recipe from my boss. I am very picky about granola but I love this. And it is so pricey in the stores so this will save you money. My favorite is #4 with Almonds and Cherries, sometimes I use cranberries. I mix it with organic yogurt and it really satisfies my sweet tooth and fills me up.

If you like the cranberry almond mixture, you should try the blueberry almond version....OH MY GOD!!! Its heaven!!!

ilovebailey · 04-07-2008, 10:53 PM

Will do!! I'm a big blueberry fan!

Mindijean · 04-07-2008, 10:56 PM

We do the cranberry almond mix too!

HappyLiving · 04-07-2008, 11:51 PM

I eat my granola mostly on yogurt. I had the Pumpkin Flax Seed Granola..from Whole Foods. What are some of your favorite things to eat granola with?

hazelnut · 05-05-2008, 10:03 AM

These recipes look great--thanks so much! I'm a huge granola fan. I particularly appreciate the "tips" on how to get a good batch made.

03-14-2008, 12:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
ilovebailey Life...handle with prayer Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 276 My Mood: Points: 6,498.66 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 6,498.66 Donate	Great Granola Recipe Great Granola One formula, eight yummy variations Tired of spending $6.95 for a 10-ounce package of gourmet granola? Then don't. Here's an easy master formula. Follow one of the eight variations, or use one to inspire your own cereal blueprint. CHOOSE THE RIGHT OATS: For the best results, reach for old-fashioned (not quick) oats, which will bake into crisp, golden granola. Cereal made with quick oats clusters better, but the texture is powdery, not crisp, and it tastes of raw starch. CREATE CLUSTERS: To help the cereal cluster, add a smidgen of water. In combination with the oil and liquid sweetener, the water mixes with the wheat germ to create a delicious mortar. Squeeze the cereal with your hands before baking to seal the bond and form small clumps. USE BOTH LIQUID AND DRY SWEETENERS: I prefer straight maple syrup, but try honey or a combination of honey and maple syrup, or maple syrup and molasses. Mix the brown sugar with the dry ingredients; it will sit on the cereal's surface to add color and flavor. You can reduce the sweetener slightly (omit the brown sugar), but you may need to increase the baking time to achieve the best color. If serving the granola with milk or over plain yogurt, remember that it needs to be sweet enough to carry the dairy, as well. And don't forget salt: Just a pinch brings out the cereal's flavors. BAKE AT A LOW TEMPERATURE: That helps the cereal to crisp up and brown thoroughly and evenly. Add the dried fruit partway through baking so it dries out just enough to keep the cereal from turning soggy. You can double the recipe, but bake the granola in two pans. You also may need to increase cooking time. The key is to cook the granola until it is an impressive golden brown. Master Granola Recipe Makes 1 quart Adjust oven rack to middle position, and heat oven to 275 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13-inch metal pan with cooking spray, then set aside. Mix oats, wheat germ, brown sugar, salt and Extra Ingredients --except dried fruit -- in a bowl. Bring syrup, oil, water and any Flavoring indicated below to a simmer in a saucepan over low heat. Drizzle over oat mixture, and stir to combine. Pour mixture onto prepared pan. Working a handful at a time, squeeze cereal to form small clumps. Bake for 30 minutes. Stir in dried fruit. Continue to bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes longer. Let cool. (Granola can be stored in an airtight tin for up to two weeks.) 2 cups old-fashioned oats 1/2 cup wheat germ 2 Tbs. dark brown sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 1 cup Extra Ingredients (see complete list below) 1/4 cup maple syrup 3 Tbs. flavorless oil, such as vegetable or canola 1 Tb. water Flavoring (see below) 1. Classic Granola Extra Ingredients: 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, 1/3 cup sweetened flake coconut, 1/3 cup dark or golden raisins Flavoring: 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon You can replace the 1/4 cup of maple syrup with 2 Tbs. each of maple syrup and molasses. 2. Crunchy Granola Extra Ingredients: 1/4 cup slivered almonds, 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, 2 Tbs. sesame seeds, 6 Tbs. currants Flavoring: none 3. Granola with Tropical Flavoring Add the coconut along with the cashews and banana chips. Extra Ingredients: 1/4 cup chopped roasted unsalted cashews, 1/4 cup chopped banana chips, 1/4 cup sweetened flake coconut, 1/4 cup chopped dried pineapple Flavoring: 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 4. Granola with Cherries and Almonds Extra Ingredients: 1/3 cup sliced almonds, 1/3 cup sweetened flake coconut, 1/3 cup dried cherries Flavoring: 3/4 tsp. almond extract 5. Trail Mix Granola Extra Ingredients: 1/4 cup chopped roasted unsalted peanuts, 1/4 cup sweetened flake coconut, 1/4 cup dark or golden raisins, 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips* Flavoring: none Stir chips into the granola only after it has completely cooled. 6. Orange-Berry Granola with Pecans* Extra Ingredients: 1/2 cup chopped pecans,1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup dried blueberries Flavoring: 1/2 tsp. finely grated orange zest 7. Pear Granola with Hazelnuts and Vanilla Extra Ingredients: 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts, 1/4 cup chopped dried cherries, 1/4 cup chopped dried pears Flavoring: 1 tsp. vanilla extract 8. Orange-Flavored Granola with Pistachios, Mangos and Dates Extra Ingredients: 1/2 cup chopped roasted pistachios, 1/4 cup chopped dates, 1/4 cup chopped dried mangos Flavoring: 1/2 tsp. finely grated orange zest and 1/4 tsp. allspice Nutritional information for granola and variations. Based on 1/2 cup servings. Classic Granola: 256 calories, 6g protein, 34.9g carbohydrates, 11.4g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 3.9g fiber, 85mg sodium. Crunchy Granola: 255 calories, 7.3g protein, 30.2g carbohydrates, 12.7g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 4.6g fiber, 77mg sodium. Tropical Granola: 257 calories, 5.8g protein, 35.3g carbohydrates, 11.3g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 3.8g fiber, 84mg sodium. Granola with Cherries & Almonds: 258 calories, 6.6g protein, 34.2g carbohydrates, 11.1g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 4.4g fiber, 85mg sodium. Trail Mix Granola: 270 calories, 6.5g protein, 37.3g carbohydrates, 12g fat , 0mg cholesterol, 4.1g fiber, 229mg sodium. Orange-Berry Granola with Pecans: 264 calories, 5.7g protein, 34.3g carbohydrates, 12.5g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 4.4g fiber, 78mg sodium. Pear Granola with Hazelnuts & Vanilla: 272 calories, 6,5g protein, 35.9g carbohydrates, 12.3g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 4.7g fiber, 78mg sodium. Orange-Flavored Granola with Pistachios, Mangoes & Dates: 259 calories, 6.7g protein, 36.1g carbohydrates, 10.9g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 4.4g fiber, 80mg sodium. __________________ Me (29) My honey (40) TTC#1 since Aug. 2007 Metformin 2000mg Vitex, Prenatals & Fish Oil Round 1: Clomid 100mg To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

03-14-2008, 02:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tiffers1984 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Mississippi Posts: 161 My Mood: Points: 387.58 Bank: 5,657.52 Total Points: 6,045.10 Donate	I usually by my granola from a co-op store but it's pretty expensive even there. It's like a treat for me to buy some. Thanks for this! __________________ Diagnosed 3/2008 Meds Spiro 100mg Met 500mg & increasing Yaz “According to a recent survey, men say the first thing they notice about a woman is their eyes, and women say the first thing they notice about men is they're a bunch of liars”

03-26-2008, 05:39 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tiffers1984 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Mississippi Posts: 161 My Mood: Points: 387.58 Bank: 5,657.52 Total Points: 6,045.10 Donate	God Bless Wikipedia Granola is a breakfast food and snack food consisting of rolled oats, nuts, honey and sometimes rice, which is baked until crispy. During the baking process the mixture is stirred to maintain a loose, breakfast cereal type consistency. Dried fruit, particularly raisins or dates, are sometimes also added. Besides being a breakfast food and snack food, granola is often eaten when hiking or camping because it is lightweight, high in energy, and easy to store __________________ Diagnosed 3/2008 Meds Spiro 100mg Met 500mg & increasing Yaz “According to a recent survey, men say the first thing they notice about a woman is their eyes, and women say the first thing they notice about men is they're a bunch of liars”

04-06-2008, 10:42 PM	#6 (permalink)
unctoothlady Please Stick Baby Stick! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Garner, NC Posts: 405 My Mood: Points: 2,188.08 Bank: 220.83 Total Points: 2,408.91 Donate	I like to use dried blueberries and almonds in mine...DELISH!!! __________________ Valeria (32)/DH (36) ~married 9.5 years m/c #1 Oct 2000; m/c #2 Mar 2007 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. BFP on May 4, 2008!!! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

04-07-2008, 09:22 AM	#7 (permalink)
nikbee In Love and Want Kids Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 102 My Mood: Points: 403.85 Bank: 1,000.00 Total Points: 1,403.85 Donate	I am so glad that you posted this recipe. I have tried other ones and really didn't like them as well as what I can buy. And they are expensive. Thanks so much! __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Nikki (35) To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Chad (37) Married 9/2/06 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. One furbaby cat Sammy! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. M/C 2/21/08 Waiting on AF to ttc! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. [/url]

03-26-2008, 05:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
Paola Canadian Cyster Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 181 My Mood: Points: 9,882.53 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 9,882.53 Donate	This is going to sound like a stupid question, but, what is granola exactly ? I mean, I know what it is, what it looks like, but where does it come from ?

04-07-2008, 11:17 AM	#8 (permalink)
soulfulqween SoulfulCyster Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Where I am... Posts: 1,381 My Mood: Points: 13,084.92 Bank: 2,913.46 Total Points: 15,998.38 Donate	Oh this is great!! Thanks for posting!! __________________ Meds: Saw Palmetto Dong Quai Calendula Valerian Black Cohosh Dandelion Root Cinnamon Vitamin C Fe St John's Wort Chromium Picolinate To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. PCOS DX 6.7.04 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. A wonderful man luvz To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. me... To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. [/size]

04-07-2008, 02:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
ilovebailey Life...handle with prayer Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 276 My Mood: Points: 6,498.66 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 6,498.66 Donate	I'm glad you girls like it so much! I got this recipe from my boss. I am very picky about granola but I love this. And it is so pricey in the stores so this will save you money. My favorite is #4 with Almonds and Cherries, sometimes I use cranberries. I mix it with organic yogurt and it really satisfies my sweet tooth and fills me up. __________________ Me (29) My honey (40) TTC#1 since Aug. 2007 Metformin 2000mg Vitex, Prenatals & Fish Oil Round 1: Clomid 100mg To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

04-07-2008, 10:53 PM	#11 (permalink)
ilovebailey Life...handle with prayer Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 276 My Mood: Points: 6,498.66 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 6,498.66 Donate	Will do!! I'm a big blueberry fan! __________________ Me (29) My honey (40) TTC#1 since Aug. 2007 Metformin 2000mg Vitex, Prenatals & Fish Oil Round 1: Clomid 100mg To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

04-07-2008, 10:56 PM	#12 (permalink)
Mindijean Missing Daniel & Sweetpea Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wisconsin by way of VT Posts: 3,822 My Mood: Points: 7,447.76 Bank: 128,722,860.02 Total Points: 128,730,307.78 Donate	We do the cranberry almond mix too! __________________ Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Life is short. Forgive quickly. Kiss slowly. Love Truly. Laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

04-07-2008, 11:51 PM	#13 (permalink)
HappyLiving HaPpyLiviNG Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: California Posts: 16 Points: 550.42 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 550.42 Donate	I eat my granola mostly on yogurt. I had the Pumpkin Flax Seed Granola..from Whole Foods. What are some of your favorite things to eat granola with?

05-05-2008, 10:03 AM	#14 (permalink)
hazelnut I am a workout robot Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 183 My Mood: Points: 746.28 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 746.28 Donate	These recipes look great--thanks so much! I'm a huge granola fan. I particularly appreciate the "tips" on how to get a good batch made. __________________ Nov. 2007: 1st round of Clomid at 50mg, CD 5-9. A bust. Jan. 2008: 2nd round of Clomid at 100mg, CD 5-9. A bust Met: 1500 mg/day I'm on weightwatchers to lose 10 pounds and try to eat low carb. I work out 6 days a week! (3 days weights, 3 days cardio) Me: (29) DH: (28) To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.