Granola

I really like granola, but it's quite expensive for a small amount and after paying over a fiver for a packet of artisan granola blend at the weekend at Knutsford market I was inspired to have a go at making my own.

Reading through a multitude of recipes it seemed there was hundreds of different ways to make granola but rather than follow a recipe I decided to stick to the formula which seem to be dry ingredients, rolled grains, nuts and seeds, dried fruits, spices and salt. Then the wet ingredients and sweetener, honey or maple syrup, oils and add the ones I like.

What I did learn though is that the type of oats you use is very important it seems that good old fashioned rolled oats is best for granola, Old fashioned oats are thicker and perfect for the texture of granola. Quick cooking and steel cut oats are generally a no no as they have been cut into thinner pieces, steamed and rolled so when combined with the wet ingredients can result in a mushy mess.

 

This is how I made mine, cooking time was around 50 minutes in total. Maked about 700g. 

 Ingredients

8 Tbsp honey

300g rolled oats
40g sunflower seeds
40g pumpkin seeds
75g skin on almonds, chopped
30g desiccated coconut
50g sour cherries
50g dates, chopped
50g dried apricots, chopped
50g cranberries

Ingredients for granola

 

Method

• Preheat the oven to 150c / gas mark 2
• In a large bowl mix the oats, seeds, nuts and coconut.
• Heat the honey in a saucepan to warm through and loosen it's thickness. Pour over the oat mixture, mix well to coat all the ingredients, spread on a large baking sheet.
• Pop the mixture in the oven for 20 minutes, check after 20 minutes and fork through to break up any clumps.Put back in the oven.
• Check every 10 minutes forking through often, till you feel your not far off the desired colour and texture your after.
• Add the fruit and fork through to distribute evenly. Cook for a final 10 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool before forking through again to break up any clumps, store in an airtight container for up to one month.
• Serve sprinkled on top of yogurt or with poached fruit, also great by the handful as a snack.

Add honey and mix oats, seeds, nuts and coconut

 

Spread ingredients on to a large baking tray

Finished Granola

 

                                  The finished granola stored in an aitight container

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