Christmas Granola Recipe
Every year at Christmas time, I try to give something homemade to my “mirror”, Steph. Steph and I exchange yummy goodies all year long, so it’s becoming a tad difficult to find new treats. This year, however, I decided to make granola from scratch. I’ve never made it, but this recipe is definitely going on the annual treat making list!
I became hooked on muesli during my first trip to Germany a few years ago. The hotel we were staying in served it for breakfast … soaked with milk, yogurt, and honey then combined with diced apples and dried fruit. I’ve been eating my granola that way ever since! I love it … and it makes for an easy breakfast.
Muesli vs Granola
Muesli and granola are very similar. Granola is more popular in the USA, however. While they both contain oats and other grains, muesli is packaged raw … the oats and grains are mixed and packaged up to keep. Granola, however, is made with oats mixed with oil, honey or sugar, and syrup then baked to form a crunchy texture. Both can be tossed with dried fruits or fresh apples and served with milk in the morning … or allowed to sit overnight, soaking in milk and yogurt. Either way, it’s a simple breakfast.
This recipe makes enough to fill 4 quart jars … about 12 cups and a little extra to munch on! This is an easy way to give a little something special to your friends and family all year long.
Enjoy!
Granola
An easy large quantity granola recipe
- 6 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup wheat germ
- 1 1/2 cups slivered almonds
- 1 1/2 cups chopped cashews
- 2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup sunflower kernels
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup dried cranberries or cherries
- Preheat oven to 300°.
- Combine oats, wheat germ, nuts, coconut, sunflower kernels, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Over medium heat, combine syrup, sugar, oil, vanilla, and salt. Bring to low boil and remove from heat once sugar is dissolved.
- Pour syrup mixture over oat mixture and toss to coat.
- Spread oat mixture evenly onto baking sheets.
- Bake at 300° for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, stir, and bake for 10 minutes more or until granola is lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Once cooled, remove from baking sheets into large mixing bowl and add dried fruit.
- Mix until well combined.
- Store in air tight containers.
Granola doesn’t last long in my house, but this should keep for around 6-8 weeks in air tight containers. This will also keep very well in the freezer packaged in freezer safe bags or containers.
