Granola

Granola

Granola is created from rolled grains, often oats and an assortment of additional ingredients. Other ingredients include seeds, nuts and dried fruit. Granola is often sweetened with molasses, honey, agave nectar or sugar. All these ingredients are usually toasted, giving granola a crunchy and clumpy texture.

In recent years, gourmet granola has become a growing market. Granola can be made with chocolate, yogurt, goji berries, or even exotic seeds such as chia, flax or amaranth seeds.
The rolled oats and other grains in granola offer fiber and antioxidants. The nuts offer heart healthy fats, such as omega-3s and vitamins. The dried fruit provides additional fiber, which can promote digestive health.

Granola as Cereal

You can make your own cereal granola. The Amateur Gourmet's recipe uses rolled outs, cinnamon, honey, almonds and hazelnuts. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 tsp of cinnamon and 1 tsp of salt in a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, combine 2 tbsp plus 1 tsp of vegetable oil, 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of light brown sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Pour the honey mixture over the oats and mix until all oats are coated. Bake the mixture on a baking sheet for 10 minutes. Sprinkle 1/3 cup almonds and 1/3 cups of hazelnuts and bake for another 10 minutes. Cool the granola and then sprinkle 1/3 cup raisins and 1/3 cup of dried cherries on the granola. Store it in an airtight container.

Granola in Fruit Parfait

Granola can also be used in a fruit parfait. Use a small juice glass or small dish and place the desired about of granola at the bottom of the glass or dish. Next, take any flavor of yogurt and spoon it over the granola. Then cut up your favorite fruits and place them on top of the yogurt. Fruit can include blueberries, peaches, strawberries, bananas or grapes. You can continue to layer the ingredients or enjoy as is.

Cranberry-Almond Granola Recipe

9 1/2 cups (19 servings, 1/2 cup each)
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (with cooling)

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup frozen unsweetened apple juice concentrate, thawed
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup almond oil, or canola oil
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 5 cups rolled oats, (not quick-cooking)
• 1 cup toasted wheat germ
• 1 cup whole almonds, coarsely chopped (4 1/2 ounces)
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, (2 ounces)
• 1 cup dried cranberries, divided

Preparation

1. Position racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven; preheat to 325°F. Coat 2 large baking sheets with sides with cooking spray.
2. Whisk apple juice concentrate, maple syrup, oil and brown sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in cinnamon and salt.
3. Mix oats, wheat germ, almonds and sunflower seeds in a large bowl. Stir in the juice mixture; toss to coat. Spread the granola evenly on the prepared baking sheets.
4. Bake the granola for 15 minutes, stirring once or twice. Reverse sheets top to bottom and back to front. Continue baking until lightly browned and aromatic, stirring frequently, about 15 minutes more. Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks; stir 1/2 cup dried cranberries into the granola on each sheet. Let cool completely.

Tips & Notes

• Make Ahead Tip: Store granola in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Per serving: 262 calories; 11 g fat ( 1 g sat , 6 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 37 g carbohydrates; 7 g protein; 5 g fiber; 67 mg sodium; 229 mg potassium.