Are you ready to add some homemade crunch to your mornings? Look no further because today, we’re diving into the world of homemade granola. Forget the store-bought stuff packed with preservatives and excess sugars. In this Twitch stream, we’re going to whip up a batch of delicious, nutritious granola that you can customize to your heart’s content. Get ready to awaken your taste buds and elevate your breakfast game with this simple recipe!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, or sesame)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots, or cherries)
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and shredded coconut (if using). Feel free to chop the nuts into smaller pieces if desired.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, mix together the honey or maple syrup, coconut oil or melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. If using a microwave, heat the mixture in short intervals until the ingredients are melted and well combined.
4. Combine:
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir well until all the dry ingredients are coated evenly with the wet mixture.
5. Bake:
- Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Press it down slightly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as ovens vary.
6. Add Dried Fruit:
- Once the granola is golden brown and crisp, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Once cooled, stir in the dried fruit of your choice. This can include raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots, or cherries. Adding the dried fruit after baking prevents it from becoming too hard or chewy.
7. Storage:
- Allow the granola to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for storage. Properly stored, homemade granola can last up to two weeks at room temperature.
Customization Tips:
- Sweeteners: Feel free to experiment with different sweeteners such as brown sugar, agave nectar, or date syrup.
- Flavorings: Get creative with your flavorings by adding spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for an extra kick.
- Mix-ins: Customize your granola with additional mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried coconut, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and savory combination.
- Gluten-Free Options: For a gluten-free version, ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free, and skip the wheat germ if it’s included in your recipe.
Why Homemade Granola?
Homemade granola offers a plethora of benefits compared to its store-bought counterparts. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider making your own:
- Control Over Ingredients: When you make granola at home, you have full control over the quality and quantity of ingredients. You can tailor the recipe to suit your dietary preferences and avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives.
- Customization: One of the best things about homemade granola is the ability to customize it to your liking. Whether you prefer a sweeter blend with dried fruits and chocolate chips or a more savory option with nuts and seeds, the possibilities are endless.
- Nutritional Value: By using wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, homemade granola packs a nutritional punch. It’s a great source of fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your breakfast routine.
- Cost-Effective: Making granola at home can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk. Plus, you can make large batches at once and store them for later use, saving you time and money in the mornings.
Last Thoughts
Homemade granola is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can whip up a batch of crunchy goodness that will elevate your breakfast game to new heights. So why settle for store-bought when you can enjoy the wholesome goodness of homemade granola? Join us on our Twitch stream on 3/25 as we share tips, tricks, and of course, plenty of tasty granola recipes. Your mornings will never be the same again!
