Gone Granola Gone

Stop eating the granola!

I make granola about once a week for the Maniger household and it seems like all I say that day is “Stop eating the granola” and it applies to me, too. This recipe is that good. It lasts us about a week to a week and a half depending on how I divide it up and use it. Ryan takes some to work every day to top his yogurt (Greek yogurt with a dash of honey and blueberries. He’s so healthy, it’s not normal). I combine the granola with almonds and pistachios to make a trail mix for snacking. It is also really great combined with chocolate chips. I buy the ingredients in bulk and have them in handy storage containers so it only takes about 5 minutes to put everything together. And the prep work is very kid friendly.

My expert helper

The original recipe for this granola was based on one we found in the New York Times but I’ve modified it enough that I think I can safely call it my own. This recipe isn’t overly sweet and with the modifications I’ve made, it comes out both a little chewy and crunchy at the same time. And the key to truly exceptional granola - this recipe makes big clusters of granola. Perfect for snacking! You have been warned.

Parchment paper makes for easy clean up

Ready to go in the oven

The golden brown color means it is done

Caught red-handed! Leaving the granola out to dry can be a problem.

Maniger Granola

Ingredients:

4 ½ cups old-fashioned oats

½ cup raw pumpkin seeds

½ cup raw sunflower seeds

1 cup coconut chips

½ cup packed light brown sugar

1 t kosher salt

½ t ground cinnamon

½ t ground cardamom

½ cup + 2 T extra virgin olive oil

½ c pure maple syrup

¼ c honey

½ t maple extract

1 egg white

¾ cup dried cherries

¾ cup dried cranberries

Directions:

1.       Preheat oven to 300°C.

2.       Combine oats through maple extract in a large bowl and stir until combined.

3.       Lightly beat egg white and stir into the granola mix.

4.       Pour granola out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5.       Bake for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
6.       Let sit on baking sheet uncovered for several hours to dry.

7.       Combine with dried fruit and store in airtight container.

Serve with yogurt and fresh fruit or ice cream. Combine with nuts and/or chocolate chips for a trail mix. I plan on making granola bars with this mix and if it turns out, will post the recipe.