Crunchy Maple Granola
Get the recipe for this wholesome and delicious breakfast.
Photo Credit: Liren Baker
I was never the resolution type. Perhaps it was fear of failure, or maybe I function better if I don't say things "out loud,"-- whatever the case may be, in years past, I would set internal goals without quite calling them "resolutions." It's less official that way.
I know. Tomato, to-mah-to.
This might be the first year that I have stopped myself mid-holiday and made a pact that come the New Year, I would set semantics aside. The holiday gluttony would end. I would set my goals and actually call them resolutions. I sincerely began to consider the typical ones.
Exercise? I already do. Eat healthy? Well, yes, more of it, naturally. Spend more time doing the things I love with the people I love? Absolutely. All givens.
Photo Credit: Liren Baker
I realized I wanted to focus on the basics. Especially in the kitchen. There are many things I can make from scratch and I want to do it more. Bake more bread. Make my own yogurt. Make more granola. These are all simple things, but I find myself buying them at the store.
Photo Credit: Liren Baker
Granola is one of those things I always buy. I even admit to having spent obscene amounts on designer granola. And I do have my favorite granola from Trader Joe's. But it's really quite ludicrous, since it is so simple to make.
So I started this New Year by making a batch of my own Crunchy Maple Granola. It took 2 minutes to throw together and less than 30 minutes to toast in the oven. And it was amazing on top of my yogurt for breakfast. I think you can safely say that is one resolution I will definitely keep.
Crunchy Maple Granola
Ingredients:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup macadamia nuts, crushed
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sweetened, shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
Method:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or lightly mist with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, nuts, maple syrup, and cinnamon. If you like your granola on the sweeter side, add the brown sugar. Spread the mixture in the prepared baking tray and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every five minutes. Add coconut for last 10 minutes. When the granola is toasted, remove from oven and place in a large bowl. Add the dried cranberries and stir. Store in an airtight container.
- Liren
