I absolutely love homemade Granola and it makes a wonderful gift for just about anyone on your list. I like to mix it up and even add fragrant spices such as cardamom and other spices. This time of year especially is a great time to experiment but here is my basic recipe that I wanted to share with all of you before another day goes by in case any of you would like to make up a special batch. I usually would put this in a canning jar with a bow around the top of the jar or a snazzy label but if you wanted to save money a ziplock type bag would suffice.
The picture shown above is how I actually keep my homemade granola at home in a snapware container to keep it fresh and delicious!
Holiday Homemade Granola
1/3 to 1/2 cup, veg oil, butter or light olive oil
1/4 to 1/2 cup brown sugar, maple syrup, honey or agave nectar (use lesser amount if you are using honey or agave)
1 tsp. vanilla, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. ginger, 1/4 tsp. cardamom (or whatever you want to spice it up with!)
4 C. flaked grains, such as oatmeal, spelt, and/or rye
1/3 C. flaked unsweetened coconut, or 1/3 C. wheat germ or 3 TBSP. nutritional yeast OR 2 T. flax seeds or 2 T. chia seeds
2 C. chopped nuts, and seeds such as walnuts, almonds, pecans, shelled sunflower, pumpkin seeds and or sesame seeds
1 C. chopped dried fruit such as apples, pears, peaches, plums, cranberries, currants, raisins, and or cherries.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees in a small saucepan melt butter if using oil just warm it. and add your sweeter along with vanilla or whatever spices you are using. In a large bowl combine all and lay on a cookie sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Store in airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
This is so simple to make and I love that I control the quality and the ingredients in this recipe. I can make this healthier or more decadent for the holidays if I choose.
Goodnight Everyone! Oh and thanks for stopping by….
After not making granola for some years I recently made a batch, just throwing together what I had on hand of the ingredients I remembered. It was ok, but could have been better. Your recipe sounds really good, I will try it for my next batch. Homemade granola is a great alternative to the high priced not so healthy store bought type. Good Christmas gift idea too!
Maggie this recipe is really decadent but my last batch did turn out really delicious! I think I added some cardamom and dried cranberries!
That sounds really good. I’m pinning it so I don’t forget!
Misty….I need to get better about pinning things on blogs I like…thanks for the reminder….I really think you will like this one its a keeper!
I love homemade granola! I love the freedom of choosing what ever ingredient you want in it… and it’s sooooo mcuh cheaper than buying it from the store.
btw, thanks for reminding me that I need to make a bach myslef.
I know hasn’t store bought granola prices gotten out of control. I will be making more granola tomorrow…..its a great Holiday Treat! Thanks for stopping by I enjoyed your blog by the way!
Thank you. I really like your blog, as well.
… and yes… those prices of granola (and not only) at the grocery stores are sick… I totally agree. 🙂