Crunchy Granola

It’s possible that you are a little like me, and you, every year, wait until the last minute to make/buy/order Christmas presents for everyone on your list (except for your child, on whom you have managed to spend all your shopping time and money). If that’s true, and you still need to pull something off for a few people you dearly love, why not make them this guaranteed-to-please granola? Put it in a clear bag, tie it up with a red bow and a cute tag, and you have something made with more love than time spent. The red of the chewy dried cranberries (or cherries) against the green of the crunchy pepitas is certainly seasonal and festive, and it’s a wonderful light, healthy, filling, and amazingly addictive option to have on hand for breakfast, should you have relatives visiting. What are you waiting for? Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and you’ll be finished in no time!

I make this granola (or a version of it) every single week. Yes, I do. It’s so simple, and you can sub in endless options so that your taste buds are never bored. And have you checked the price of small-label granola in the “healthy” section of your grocery store lately? Homemade definitely wins all the way around. Grab a cookie sheet with sides and mix everything right on the cookie sheet itself. Even clean up is a breeze!

Easy Crunchy Granola
1/2 cup pure maple syrup (I use grade B for stronger maple flavor)
2 tablespoons canola oil
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cooking)
1 cup puffed brown-rice cereal (I use brown rice Rice Krispies)
1 cup pecan halves or pieces, coarsely chopped (or sliced almonds, or other nuts)
1/4 cup unsalted raw pepitas – hulled pumpkin seeds (or shelled unsalted sunflower seeds)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup oat bran (optional)
¼ cup powdered milk, or powdered coconut milk (optional)
1 cup dried fruit (such as sour cherries, cranberries, or blueberries)

Pre-heat oven to 350° F, rack centered in the oven. Mix the maple syrup and oil in a small bowl or measuring cup. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the oats, rice cereal, nuts, seeds, cinnamon, salt, and oat bran and powdered milk (if using) together with your hands or large spoons. Add the maple syrup mixture by pouring it over the dry ingredients. Stir until well mixed.

Bake, stirring once, until golden, 30 to 35 minutes. Test the granola that’s in the middle of the pan to make sure almost all the moisture is gone. If not, return it to the oven for 5 or more minutes, watching closely so that it doesn’t over-brown. (Granola will continue to crisp up as it cools.)

Add the dried fruit and toss to combine. Let cool. Serve with regular yogurt, greek yogurt, milk, or just eat it plain by the handful. But beware, once you start the handful thing, it’s really hard to stop!

Tagged as: Healthy Granola Recipe, Holiday Food Gift, Oats, Quick Present