Thursday 4 July 2013

Home Made Granola

I have a family of granola lovers and I would buy organic granola in boxes from the supermarket to indulge them. Recently, I saw a friend make granola at home - I was fascinated as I have never thought it was possible to make your own granola. The most amazing part is that it's really easy too.  


All one needs to do is to mix all the ingredients together and then toast them in the oven till its crisp and crunchy. The best part about granola is that you can put in the best ingredients (organic if possible) and its still much cheaper than store-bought, not to mention a lot healthier because you will tend to use less sugar at home. 



The best part is its absolutely delicious - a crunchy mix of oats, seeds, nuts and dried fruits, flavoured with spices and aromatic maple syrup. Making this home also means you can use good quality organic ingredients if you wish. I'll never shell out good money for the ones at the supermarket now that I have learned how to make this at home. 


Home Made Granola
A Curtis Stone Recipe

Ingredients
  •  1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter (Replaced with 1/4 cup coconut oil)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (Grade B preferred for a stronger flavour)*
  • 1/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup shelled pumpkin seeds
  • 1 cup shelled sunflower seeds
  • 1 cup whole almonds (replaced with walnuts)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup raisins
Method
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
  • Combine the butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat and stir for 1 minute, or until the butter melts and the mixture is fragrant.
  • Add the honey, maple syrup, and brown sugar and stir for 2 minutes, or until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a simmer.
  • Spray a heavy large baking sheet with nonstick spray (I lined my tray with baking paper)
  • Combine the oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and almonds in a large bowl.
  • Drizzle the warm syrup over the oat mixture and toss to coat well.
  • Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared baking sheet, forming an even layer.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the mixture is dry.
  • Stir in the cranberries and raisins and continue baking for 10 minutes, or until the granola darkens slightly. (I prefer to stir in the dried fruits after the granola is done to prevent them from burning)
  • At this point, the granola will still be soft, but as it cools it will become crunchy.
  • Transfer the baking sheet to a cooling rack and cool the granola completely.
  • Break the granola into small pieces and store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.
*I buy my Organic Maple Syrup Grade B from iherb, which ships all over the world. You can use this code NAD207 to get a US$10 discount for your first order above US$40. 

This post is linked to Cook Like A Star, where this month's featured chef is Curtis Stone, an event organized by Zoe from Bake For Happy Kids together with co-hosts, Baby Sumo from Eat Your Heart Out and Grace from Life Can Be Simple.


26 comments:

  1. Mich, your homemade granola looks so yummy!! With a cup of cold milk, that is so delish :) I bookmarked this recipe as well so with your successful attempt, I'm keen to try this out :):)

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  2. My mum likes granola very much! I should try making this for her and can post it for CLAS too ;)

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  3. I have most of the ingredients except for maple syrup, I should go grab a bottle and start making this, looks awesome good and healthy!

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  4. Hi Mich,

    Your homemade granola looks wonderful. So much better than the store-bought ones with all ho-liao... hee hee! Thanks for the discount code from iherb! We should be ok ordering this product from USA considering that quarantine might be an issue.

    Zoe

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  5. This looks awesome! I can only ever eat really nice cereal. Perhaps I'm a cereal snob?

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  6. Mich, your granola look very good! I agree that homemade is best. I am going to try this too.

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  7. Wonderful granola! It looks better than the store-bought。

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  8. Homemade granola is only granola I eat. Yours looks wonderful, Mich.

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  9. Aw, I've never tasted home-made Granola! Clever gal, Mich!

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  10. oh I love granola too, Mich, yours look so yummy I will try :)

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  11. This sounds really good, i must make my own granola instead of buying them from the stores, so expensive. Need to go get some maple syrup pronto.

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  12. Why would I buy when I can make your delicious recipe my friend :D

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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  13. Hi Mich,
    I have been eyeing his granola recipe for quite sometime! Yours look super good, would be yummy with my homemade yoghurt!

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  14. Homemade granola sounds really good ! Some store-bought esp the granola bars tastes too sweet :P Yours look really great ! Just love everything you've added in there :D

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  15. Sometimes we rely so much on store bought stuff that we forget how easy and tastier are homemade things. Loved the recipe

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  16. Hi Mich, your granola look good. Thanks for sharing your recipe. Homemade is still the best.

    Have a wonderful weekend.

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  17. yeah, i hv never buy from the supermarket anymore since i know how to make them. My last batch has long gone , maybe it;s time to make some :)

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  18. I am addicted to granola but I just buy it. I have thought so many times to make it myself. It will certainly be cheaper and tastier. It looks amazing Mich!

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  19. I have not thought of making that myself at home too! Wow, with a family of granola lovers and this lasts only a week, you will be very busy going forward! :D

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  20. Your homemade granola looks delicious Mich..

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  21. I love homemade granola and this look delicious Mich!!

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  22. I was meaning to make granola when I went to visit the kids and we just never got around to it. I wonder if I mixed up a batch and mailed it if it would survive? I'll save this recipe just in case:)

    Thank you so much for sharing, Mich. I agree with Joyce, yogurt would be just wonderful with it!

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  23. Your homemade granola looks delicious. A perfect treat.

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  24. I have been meaning to make homemade granola but haven't had a chance. My kids really like granola that my mom eats which really encouraged me to make my own. I'm saving this recipe and figure out what my kids and I would enjoy!

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