Fresh Granola
I never really knew how easy it was to make granola. Seriously, everyone has their own favorite recipe for granola – you can do a search without finding 15 pages of recipes. Just take a look at pinterest – you’ll see what I mean.
Anyway – I’ve been asked a time or two for the granola recipe I serve here at Carriage Corner. This recipe originated from a friend of mine and was individualized Christmas gifts for the girls for years. Now I make it every 2 weeks or so and don’t add any dried fruit. Here’s the basic recipe:
Carriage Corner’s Basic Granola Recipe:
- 6 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 cup chopped nuts
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
2/3 cup honey
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2T water
2T vanilla - Mix dry ingredients.
- Mix liquid in microwave safe dish and then microwave for 1 minute.
- Pour over oat mixture.
Mix well. - Spread out on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper. Bake at 300* for 25 – 35 minutes stirring several times.
Remove from oven
When it comes out of the oven – don’t touch it! Letting the granola cool off without touching it helps to create clumps of granola like you would get if you purchased granola at the store.
This is a good, basic starter granola recipe.
Variations on a Theme
It’s so easy to make granola your own. What type of nuts do you like? What’s your favorite dried fruit? Don’t like honey, try maple syrup instead. Like clumpier granola? Add a beaten egg white to the oats before baking and then let cool without touching. If you are adding dried fruit, add it once the granola has cooled. Store in an airtight container.
Why not try some of these combos:
- Blueberries & Almonds
- Peaches & Pecans
- Raisins & Cashews
- Pistachios, Dates & Apricots
- Banana & Walnuts
You can now make any flavor granola you like, limited only by your imagination. When you make a batch – let me know what flavors you used. Enjoy! Just be careful if you decide to give this fresh granola as a gift because the recipient will bring the container back and ask you to refill it!
Don’t Want to Make Your Own Fresh Granola?
Pick your favorite room and ask if there will be granola on the menu during your stay! There almost always is – layered up with yogurt and either fresh fruit, homemade jam or our newest addition – homemade Amish Mush. You’ll have to stay to find out what that is.