My updated daily routine now includes having dinner before 6 pm and refraining from snacking afterward. As a result, when I wake up in the morning, I find myself eagerly seeking a delectable and nutritious breakfast option. To complement this change, I've also replaced the cream and sugar in my coffee with the enjoyment of black coffee, although I do indulge in something sweet to nibble on alongside it. This is where my homemade loaded granola recipe comes into play. I have a deep appreciation for granola and cereal, but the store-bought varieties can be quite pricey and often laden with excessive sugar. To economize and have greater control over the ingredients, I have taken to crafting my own granola. Surprisingly, once you get the hang of it, the process isn't overly complicated or time-consuming.
Ingredients:
5 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup natural peanut butter or your preferred nut butter
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup pure maple syrup or raw honey
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon sea salt
Additional Ingredients for Customization:
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 cup chopped walnuts or slivered almonds
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons hemp hearts
Equipment:
Large baking sheet
Parchment paper
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mix Granola Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, molasses, natural peanut butter, olive oil, pure maple syrup (or raw honey), ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the oats are evenly coated.
Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake and Stir: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, making sure to stir the granola every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. Check regularly to prevent burning; the granola should turn a beautiful golden brown when it's done.
Cool and Customize: Once the granola is golden brown, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet for about 30 minutes. During this time, you can add the additional ingredients of your choice: raisins, unsweetened coconut flakes, chopped walnuts or slivered almonds, chia seeds, and hemp hearts. Mix well to distribute these ingredients evenly throughout the granola.
Storage: Transfer your custom homemade granola into a large airtight container or tupperware. Store it in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, it can stay fresh for up to 6 weeks.
Enjoy: Serve your homemade granola with a splash of almond milk, a handful of fresh berries, or over yogurt for a delightful and nutritious breakfast or snack.