I bought this package of Maine grown oats at the Farmers Market recently. It was only $7 for a 3 pound bag. I should be able to make 3 batches of granola from this one bag, so I consider this a bargain, especially since they are organically grown. I got this recipe from my sister-in-law Terry. She had put some of this granola in our Christmas bag (see a previous post).Start with 4 cups of the oats, spread out on a cookie sheet and put in a 350 to 375 degree oven. Keep an eye on it, toss occasionally. I probably had this in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Further down will be a shot of the oats after baking.
Toast seperately chopped pecan, walnuts & almonds, or a combination. I used pecans & almonds. Nuts should also be toasted at 35o, for about 6 to 7 minutes, but you've got to watch them also.
I always like a little bit of fruit in my granola, this time I added dried cranberries. Other good options are any other dried fruit (apricots are my favorite). I also toasted some coconut to add. Terry likes to put in dried blueberries.
After the oats are baked, put them in a large bowl, add the nuts & fruits that you are using. Take 2 Tbsp unsalted butter and put it in a glass container with at least 1/4 cup honey. Put in microwave for about a minute, until the butter melts. When I want to splurge I use the butter shown above, but if I don't use that I opt for the Cabot brand because it comes from Vermont (much closer than the butters made in Wisconsin).
This is the honey that I had available, I usually have honey from a man that lives 1 mile from my house, but he sold out at the end of November so I picked this up last week.
This is the approximate color that the oats should be when you pull them out of the oven. Mix up the large bowl of fruit, nuts and granola before adding the honey and butter. You can also add cinnamon if you'd like that flavor in the granola. Add the honey and granola and mix thoroughly. Spread the mixture on a cookie sheet and set aside to dry for 2 hours. Break up with a spoon and put into sealed containers.
Here's some of mine all done & in a jar. This is only half of what I made. It is real easy to make and so much better tasting than what I used to get at the grocery store. I usually have it with some Almond Milk or yogurt.
Here's some of mine all done & in a jar. This is only half of what I made. It is real easy to make and so much better tasting than what I used to get at the grocery store. I usually have it with some Almond Milk or yogurt.
