As the tip of the yr speeds towards us, we’ve kicked into full-on gift-giving mode. And nothing makes people really feel extra appreciated than a home made present, particularly one they’ll eat and share.
For me, granola is at all times the reply.
An attractive jar of crunchy, chewy, barely candy granola for fast breakfasts, tossing onto little bowls of yogurt or skyr, or (if you’re my older son) grabbing by the handful each time you go via the kitchen.
Granola is so customizable that after you begin taking part in round with it, making it might probably develop into nearly as addictive as consuming it. Change up the dried fruits, use all maple syrup or all honey, add a little bit of crystallized ginger or a pinch of floor cloves.
As a result of nut allergy symptoms are so prevalent (I converse from private expertise), preserving your granola nut-free will make it a present that just about everybody can get pleasure from.
Many store-bought granolas have loads of added fats and sugar. This recipe has a way more manageable quantity of oil and sweeteners. Observe this granola is vegetarian however not vegan, because of the honey and egg whites. The egg whites assist create good little clumps of granola with out necessitating the addition of extra fats or sugar.
That is additionally an excellent recipe for getting the youngsters concerned. They will measure, combine and unfold all the things out on the baking sheet. With supervision across the sizzling baking sheet, older children can gently stir the granola throughout baking.
BAKING TIPS
As a result of the dried fruit will burn if baked too lengthy, add it to the oat combine solely through the second a part of bake time. Baking it lets it turns into chewy and integrated into the combination.
In order for you your granola crunchier, bake the oat half a bit longer earlier than stirring within the fruit.
Should you’re sure that nut allergy symptoms aren’t a difficulty, add a handful or two of chopped nuts whenever you add the dried fruit halfway via baking.
This granola retains for 3 weeks in a cool place, effectively sealed (although I’ve by no means as soon as had it final that lengthy).
PRESENTATION
I wish to package deal up this granola in clear glass Mason jars with hooked up lids, with cheery ribbons and labels. You too can discover jars which have spoons hooked up.
Take into consideration including some strategies on slightly card hooked up to the jar for a way the recipients can use the granola. Suggest utilizing it as a topping for all the things from ice cream to yogurt, a complement to oatmeal, a dip for a banana, or blended right into a crumble on a fruit crisp.
You may double or triple the recipe simply – and I at all times do, as a result of I don’t wish to give all of it away!
Granola Recipe
Elements:
¼ cup honey
¼ cup pure maple syrup
2 massive egg whites
⅓ cup vegetable oil, plus oil for the baking sheet (elective)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon floor cinnamon
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon grated orange zest, elective
4 cups old style oats, not quick-cooking
2 cups combined chopped dried fruit similar to apricots or prune, and/or dried cherries, blueberries, cranberries and raisins
Nonstick cooking spray (elective)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 275°F.
Place the honey, maple syrup, egg whites, oil, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and orange zest, if utilizing, in a big bowl and blend till effectively blended. Set 1⁄2 cup of the honey combination apart in a medium-size bowl.
Add the oats to the big bowl and blend with a spoon or your fingers till all the things is effectively mixed and coated.
Add the dried fruit to the reserved 1⁄2 cup of the honey combination and stir to mix. Set the dried fruit combination apart.
Spray a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray, or coat it calmly with oil, or line it with parchment paper. Unfold the oat combination out on the ready baking sheet in a skinny, even layer. Bake the oat combination for half-hour (see Baking Tip above).
Add the dried fruit combination to the oat combination and stir effectively with a spoon or spatula to mix. Unfold the granola out once more in an excellent layer. Bake it till the oats are golden brown and crunchy, 25 to half-hour, stirring it as soon as extra midway via the baking time, however depart some clumps! Let the granola cool on the baking sheet on a wire rack.
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Katie Workman writes usually about meals for The Related Press. She has written two cookbooks centered on family-friendly cooking, “Dinner Solved!” and “The Mother 100 Cookbook.” She blogs at She may be reached at Katie@themom100.com.
Get extra recipes and dinner concepts from The Washington Occasions meals part.
