A popular little bakery, not far from here, bakes their own granola. Every-now-and-then, I’ll slip inside and pick up a bag. The clear bags, about eight ounces worth, are tied nicely with ribbon and hold some very tasty morsels. At $8 a bag, however, it’s a bit of a luxury not often indulged in.
It’s been quite a long time since I’ve splurged on one of these bags of goodness. I was tempted a few weeks ago, and resisted the urge. My reward for resisting an impulse purchase came a few days later. Looking for one recipe, I came across another I had filed away (yes, I still use recipe boxes).
Why I have never made this recipe for homemade granola is beyond me. I no longer remember where I first saw it, so, if it is yours, dear reader, forgive me for not acknowledging you – and know it is now THE favorite granola here on the Cutoff. I hope you will enjoy it as much as we do.
Now I’ve gone and made myself hungry, so, will scoop out some of my fresh granola and pair it with a few spoonfuls of yogurt. Do you like granola? How do you enjoy it?
Granola
4 – 6 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (I use 6)
1 cup or more nuts, chopped (I use walnuts, like a bigger chop, and more than a cup of nuts)
1 cup dried fruit or more to taste (I use golden raisins and cranberries)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (Penzey’s – of course)
1/2 cup honey (could add more, but, this is sweet enough)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
350 degrees (F)
Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper, grease paper. I cut the parchment bigger than the pan, creased the corners. It made the granola easy to take out of pan.
Mix oats, nuts, cinnamon and fruit *
Whisk honey, vegetable oil, and vanilla then pour over oat mixture, stir gently and thoroughly.
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Stir several times while baking.
Cool. I stirred it every so often to break up clumps as it was cooling.
* recipe calls for fruit to be added after it bakes. I added to mixture. Stir often while cooking, just watch so it doesn’t burn.
Wow! Thanks, Penny! I love granola! It’s comfort food. It’s great that you make your own. I like munching on a granola bar during the day.
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You are welcome. This was my first time making it, L. Marie – and I can assure you it won’t be the last. It’s easy to make and so very good. I’m eating it right now with yogurt. 🙂
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Mmmmm! Your granola recipe sounds so yummy, Penny! Wouldn’t it be fun to give as gifts? Granola sprinkled over yogurt is always a treat. My favorite way to enjoy granola is a handful for quick energy, while hiking along a beautiful trail. ♡
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My thoughts, exactly, Dawn. I’m storing up interesting jars and hope to give as gifts already. Even a hostess gift with a pretty ribbon. I don’t know why I’ve never made granola before, but, as they say, better late than never. 🙂
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Thanks Penny, this looks like a great recipe. I try to make this when I get home . It would make a great snack when I have the munchies.
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You are welcome, Gerlinde. I think you will like this and it makes quite a big batch and adaptable to other ingredients. Enjoy.
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Oh, this is *excellent*! I’ve written the recipe down and will try it soon. I haven’t seen a recipe for granola anywhere over here, in fact I’d never had it until I came to the US on holiday. Thanks so much, Penny!
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Hi, Cath. It is easy as can be and it makes up a very large batch. I’d like to try it with dried apricots soon. You are very welcome. I hope you enjoy it as much as we are.
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Sweet serendipity!! I just mentioned to my daughter yesterday that I needed a good granola recipe that was not too sweet. The one I always used to buy (well — occasionally always) at the bulk store here is now too sugary for our changing tastebuds. This one sounds excellent and I’ll try it. Thank you.
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Isn’t it lovely when serendipity comes-a-calling? I think you will enjoy this recipe, Sallie. It isn’t as sweet as packaged granola can be and I like that I can control the ingredients for Tom. I try to use local honey, which really does help with my seasonal allergies, and it makes quite a lot of granola. You are very welcome.
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I just bought a little bag of a homemade granola at a friend’s boutique, and we quickly devoured it. I have been thinking that we ought to make our own, so your recipe is very timely! I would love to give it a try. 🙂 I made a pumpkin granola about a year ago, but I did something wrong and it burned. LOL! I’ll try again, Penny! 🙂
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This would be fun to make with the girls, Debra. I’m hoping to bring the ingredients up north soon where two little helpers can help to mix it all up. 🙂 I watched this closely as knew it could burn and took it out just in time. You can substitute whatever fruit pleases your palate. I would like to try some dried apricots some time. Enjoy.
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I will not be making this stuff, as I would mainline it. Ha.
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Andra, it is addicting – beware. 🙂
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What a tasty, nutty blog. I love granola.
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It’s yummy, for sure, Juliet. This weekend, a certain little miss helped me make a batch. 🙂
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I can just imagine. A certain little miss loves to mix textures and grains for me too.
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Thank you for this recipe, I hope to try it and will share it with Kate! 🙂
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You are welcome.
Kezzie and I made it when we were up there last week. I hope you and Kate enjoy it, Janet. I try to use local honey – am thinking your Irish honey would be delectable.
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[…] Last Sunday, this young lass and I made granola. […]
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[…] Last Sunday, this young lass and I made granola. […]
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My daughter makes great granola, but has only made it once or twice. I purchase “homemade” granola when I go to an Amish area in Indiana–theirs is great, too, but I only go there 3 or 4 times a year. I look forward to cooking up a batch of your granola soon, Penny. I apologize for being so far behind in reading your posts, but it gives me great pleasure to sit down and catch up.
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Susan, I just made up a batch of this yesterday afternoon; some for here and some for our Up North family to take back with them. It really is simple to make and makes a big batch.
No need to apologize, but, I do appreciate your words. We are all so busy in our lives and I love to hear from (and read your own posts) anytime.
Happy New Year, Susan.
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