HOW TO: NUTTY GRANOLA
Granola! Granola is packed with nutrition and very underrated. It is made with rolled oats and can be eaten as a breakfast cereal, an afternoon snack, or, AP’s favorite, atop a fruit crumble. Oats are a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. Oats can also be helpful if you are trying to lower your blood sugar or cholesterol levels. In addition to great nutrition, I enjoy the endless customization possibilities for granola.
We don’t have many recipes using granola on Plant-Based & Slayed yet, but I knew it would be a perfect “how-to” recipe to share with you. A basic granola recipe includes Maple Syrup, Rolled Oats, nuts, solid fat, and spices or aromatics. You can also add dried fruits, coconut, chocolate, and other cereals or grains. Granola is easy to make.
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HOW TO MAKE NUTTY GRANOLA
Think of it more like a recipe outline. The amounts are approximate so feel free to play around and make it your own. Change out ingredients for your favorite nuts, fruits, and spices. This recipe is sweet, but you can also make it savory. I will sometimes add a couple of cayenne pepper dashes to add a little heat to the sweet. Remember, the only limitation is your imagination.
Preheat oven to 325F degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, mix 1/3 Cup Maple Syrup, 1/3 Cup of Peanut Butter, and 1 Teaspoon of Maple Extract. Next, mix in 2 Cups Rolled Oats (no instant oatmeal), ½ Teaspoon Sea Salt, 1 Tablespoon of Cinnamon, ¼ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional).
Now, fold in Nuts: ½ Cup Sunflower Seeds, ½ Cup Chopped Roasted Almonds, ½ Cup Pecans. You can also add dried fruits at this stage. I would suggest ½ Cup diced pitted Medjool Dates to add natural sweetness.
Mix until everything is evenly coated. If you plan to use chocolate chips, do not add the chocolate chips to the granola until after you have baked the granola and the granola has cooled.
Press mixture into a parchment paper-lined sheet pan. Bake for 15 minutes on the bottom rack of the oven.
Then, remove and use a spatula to toss/flip the granola. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, then remove.
USING & STORING Granola
Using Granola
Granola can be used in many ways. Here are just a few of my favorites:
Breakfast Cereal: place in your favorite bowl, add your go-to plant-based milk, and garnish with fresh berries.
Parfait: In a tall cup, alternate layers of your favorite yogurt and granola. Once you get to the top of the glass, top the last layer with fresh fruit.
Fruit Cobbler: Top your favorite fruit cobbler with granola for an added crunch.
Just Plain Granola: Eat the granola by itself for a healthy and delicious treat.
Storing Granola
Have some leftover granola? Store leftovers at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Whichever place you chose, be sure to store the granola in an airtight container. It is essential that you do not allow granola to become exposed to moisture and become soggy. Homemade granola can last a month if stored properly. I store my granola in mason jars on my kitchen counter. It is a decorative touch that adds some coziness to the kitchen.