Grandma's Granola Recipe

I love granola. You’ve got oats for whole grains, healthy fats in nuts and seeds, delectable, dried fruits, and fiber-filled deliciousness. Store brands sometimes have more added sugar and fewer whole grains and fiber than I would like. So, I spent some time trying out several granola recipes to find out what worked best. Here is the final product, and it comes out perfectly every time. Everyone who samples this granola exclaims “it’s SO good!”

I share jars of my granola as gifts for holidays, for friends headed off to camp for the weekend, to give to friends who need a boost of joy, and for our houseguests. I recently made several batches and packaged up the jars with the recipe to add to Eat Move Groove raffle baskets for Susie’s book launch parties. My husband loves this granola and often asks if the granola is actually for us (YES PLEASE) or if I’m giving it all away! . After receiving a jar of my granola recently, our daughter-in-law made more at home and said it made the house smell amazing (it really does). Our granddaughter helps her make it. At three years old, it’s the perfect recipe for her to help prepare. They call it “Grandma’s Granola” now.

For the best granola consistency, use old fashioned oatmeal. Mix together honey and pure maple syrup to get the perfect sweetness. You can use canola oil or avocado oil, or coconut oil depending on the flavors you like. I usually make this granola with chopped pecans or walnuts but pick your favorite nuts. You could easily use pepitas, almonds, sunflower seeds, pistachios or even peanuts. Similarly, choose the dried fruit you enjoy. Lastly, be sure not to overbake. You don’t want to dry it out too much or cause a burned flavor by even slightly overbaking. Always turn the granola halfway through the baking process, at about 11 minutes. Be sure to let it cool for at least an hour before you mix in the dried fruit. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Homemade Granola Ingredients

• 4 cups old fashioned oats

• 1½ cups nuts, roughly chopped

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (or ½ teaspoon regular salt)   

• ½ cup oil (canola, avocado, or coconut)

• ¼ cup honey

• ¼ cup pure maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 2/3 cup dried cherries (or other dried fruit)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Mix dry ingredients in a big bowl.

3. Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl; pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and mix well.

4. Spread evenly on a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

5. Bake for 11 minutes and stir.

6. Bake for another 11 minutes and remove from the oven.

7. Cool for at least an hour.

8. Mix in the dried fruit.

9. Store in an airtight container and enjoy!