Two of the kids’ aunts both sent us home-made granola for Christmas a few years ago. Both versions were really good (how diplomatic) and opened our eyes to a better – and cheaper – way to do breakfast. This recipe is kid-friendly! Easy to remember amounts, easy mixing in a big bowl, fast and simple. They will love the experience and contributing to the breakfast routine. Who wants to be the “granola master?”
We buy the oats, nuts, and fruit used in Dad’s Granola in quantity and take extra care to make sure they don’t get exposed to the air while in storage. I can’t stand stale (or rancid) nuts. We get the best quality we can from nuts.com (a great family-owned source).
With no added sugar or fat and great taste, we love easting this breakfast treat any time with 2% or whole milk to amp up the protein and fat . As always in Dad’s economy, this recipe is easy to modify. Please experiment or share your own favorite granola ideas.
Dad’s Granola
Fast, easy, fresh-tasting, and relatively cheap!
- Half-sheet pan
- Big bowl
- silicone spatula
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats (Don't use quick-cooking oats.)
- 3 cups 1 cup each walnuts, pecans, and almonds, coarsely chopped. (Mix and match your favorite nuts. My favorite is the walnut/pecan/almond blend. It will cost the least to buy whole or half nuts and chop them yourself.)
- 1 cup flaked, unsweetened coconut (Remember, no added sugar if possible.)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsps Kosher salt
- 1/2 cup honey (You can use all honey or all maple syrup, but half and half is our preferred mix.)
- 1/2 cup real maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla (I now use Baker imitation vanilla with no ill-effects. So much less costly.)
- 1 cup dried fruit (Raisins, currants, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, dried apricots (small dice), or whatever seems yummy and is available.)
Mix the oats, nuts, coconut, cinnamon, and salt very thoroughly in a large bowl
Combine honey, syrup, and vanilla in a 2-cup glass measuring cup and drizzle over the dry mix. Stir very well until all bits and pieces have some of the sweet mixture on them.
Spread the granola mix all over your sheet pan. Try to make an even layer.
Bake at 375 for 25 minutes, stirring lightly half-way through.
Remove from oven, sprinkle dried fruit, and mix lightly.
Wait at least 20 minutes or so and try a bowl with milk. Enjoy!
Let granola come to room temperature, then store in plastic freezer bags or plastic bowls in the frig.
Enjoy with your favorite Greek yogurt (My fav is a full-fat vanilla from Fage.) and frozen or fresh fruit. Moisten with milk and garnish with honey. Or not.
Mmmmmmm! And good for ‘ya, too.
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