You are here: Home / Archives for granola

Back to Basics: Granola

January 27, 2012 by 1 Comment

I have a new idea for the blog–a series on basics. Not all recipes can be creative, take a half a day to make, or use lots of ingredients. And not all weeks have original content all the time! We like repeats too, especially when they are awesome. It also takes a lot of time to continuously find new things to try and write about!

IMG_6480.JPG

This week, we’re talking about granola! If you were reading about a year ago, I was on a granola kick. There were bars, sticky bites, loose granola. It was crunchy, sticky, one burnt batch from not watching close enough, and some were fruity or full of good spices. We went through a lot of Quaker Oats!

Recently, I’d been thinking about granola again. I like it with breakfast, on top of yogurt for a snack, and I had a lot of raisins in my pantry.

I referred to my favorite recipe from last year and made some modifications based on what I had in the pantry. From the original recipe, I accidentally left out the brown sugar and didn’t notice in the taste. I don’t have flax meal in the pantry anymore, and I used more raisins instead of craisins. I also didn’t have almonds so I used more pecans and peanuts. Use what you have!

IMG_6488.JPG

Oatmeal Raisin Granola

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 C old-fashioned oats
  • 3/4 C pecans, chopped
  • 1/4 C unsalted peanuts
  • 1/4 C sweetened coconut
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • pinch nutmeg
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 C gold rainsins
  • 1/2 C black raisins
  • 1/4 C maple syrup
  • 3 T applesauce
  • 2 T smooth peanut butter

Instructions:

  • Mix maple syrup, applesauce and peanut butter in a small pan on the stovetop and let simmer for 8-10 minutes over low heat. It will get thick and caramel-like. Don’t let it burn.
  • Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl and add the wet to the dry once thickened.
  • Pour on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Bake at 300* for 45 minutes, stirring every 12-15.**
  • Cool for 20 minutes before eating.

For this batch, I actually had to take Lily for a walk while the granola was baking. She insisted. I turned the oven off at about 20 minutes and left the tray in. It was perfectly done when I got back. Just watch your batch so it doesn’t burn!

 

Print
Oatmeal Raisin Granola
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 

 

Ingredients
  • Oatmeal Raisin Granola
  • 2.5 C old-fashioned oats
  • ¾ C pecans, chopped
  • ¼ C unsalted peanuts
  • ¼ C sweetened coconut
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • pinch nutmeg
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ C gold rainsins
  • ½ C black raisins
  • ¼ C maple syrup
  • 3 T applesauce
  • 2 T smooth peanut butter

Instructions
  1. Mix maple syrup, applesauce and peanut butter in a small pan on the stovetop and let simmer for 8-10 minutes over low heat. It will get thick and caramel-like. Don’t let it burn.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl and add the wet to the dry once thickened.
  3. Pour on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
  4. Bake at 300* for 45 minutes, stirring every 12-15.**
  5. Cool for 20 minutes before eating.

Filed Under: Breakfast, Snacks · Tagged With: , , ,

High Protein Granola

July 21, 2011 by 3 Comments

IMG_4920.JPG

Granolas can be a little risky to have in your pantry because they are usually high in sugar and fat. I like to live on the edge, but I also like to find a better-for-you alternative.

One of my favorite sites, Oh She Glows, made this lightened up granola a few days ago. What intrigued me about it was that it didn’t have any dried fruit, and it used millet. She also didn’t use any oil, which adds calories fast, and used simple things I had at home. I did make a few substitutions for what I had at home.

 IMG_4929.JPG

I subbed quinoa for the millet because that’s what I had, and added raisins after it came out of the oven, I learned that trick a few batches ago when the raisins burned while cooking with the granola. And I don’t make my own nut butter. I tried once and flopped.

IMG_4930.JPG

Lighter Granola

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup almonds, I mixed some slivered and some whole
  • 1/3 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 2 T ground flax meal
  • 1 T chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • heaping 2 T applesauce
  • 1/4 cup Brown Rice Syrup
  • 3 T peanut butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick mat.
  • In a large bowl, stir together dry ingredients.In a medium sized bowl, mix together the wet ingredients (except for the  extracts). Microwave for about 60 seconds. Now stir in the extracts until combined.
  • Add wet mixture to dry mixture and stir well until everything is coated.
  • Scoop onto baking sheet, spread out.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring once half way through baking. Allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes on the baking sheet. Makes about 5 cups. Store in an air-tight container for 1-2 months.
  • Add raisins after it comes out of the oven if desired.

 IMG_4936.JPG

This granola was super crunchy and crispy. It had plenty of clumps too. I like adding raisins because they are like the little prize that you hope to get in each scoop, but it’s not necessary. If you thought quinoa in granola was strange, it’s no big deal. Just adds more protein and crunch.

If you’ll notice from the ingredients, there are a lot of superfoods. From the quinoa to flax meal to chia seeds to oats and peanut butter, there’s a lot of power for energy. Lots going on in this recipe! Added with yogurt or milk, it’s a great combo of protein and carbs, necessary every time you eat.

If you are unfamiliar with brown rice syrup, it is very sticky and has a distinct flavor. If you find you don’t like the flavor of the finished product, you could sub maple syrup.

IMG_4945.JPG

So are you going to give it a try?

Print
High Protein Granola
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 

Serves: 5 cups
 

Ingredients
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • ½ cup almonds, I mixed some slivered and some whole
  • ⅓ cup uncooked quinoa
  • 2 T ground flax meal
  • 1 T chia seeds
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • heaping 2 T applesauce
  • ¼ cup Brown Rice Syrup
  • 3 T peanut butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 325F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick mat.
  2. In a large bowl, stir together dry ingredients.In a medium sized bowl, mix together the wet ingredients (except for the  extracts). Microwave for about 60 seconds. Now stir in the extracts until combined.
  3. Add wet mixture to dry mixture and stir well until everything is coated.
  4. Scoop onto baking sheet, spread out.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring once half way through baking. Allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes on the baking sheet. Makes about 5 cups. Store in an air-tight container for 1-2 months.
  6. Add raisins after it comes out of the oven if desired.

Filed Under: Breakfast, Recipes, Snacks, Vegetarian · Tagged With: , , ,

Simple Cinnamon Raisin Granola

March 23, 2011 by 8 Comments

IMG_2798.JPG

I’ve been thinking that I should give you an update on fitness and things not food related. I realized that my posts have been very food heavy and not fitness related in a while.

But first, granola!


IMG_3084.JPG

On my quest for a simple and low calorie granola, I came up with this one. It is mostly oat based with less dried fruit than some of my other versions. It’s crispy and crunchy, and a great addition to yogurt as breakfast or a snack, or to munch on by itself. Stored in a container, it will last quite a while.

IMG_2725.JPG

Cinnamon Raisin Granola

Ingredients:

  • 2 C old fashioned oats
  • 1/2 C unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 C almonds (mixed whole and slivered)
  • 1 T flax meal
  • 2 T applesauce
  • 2 T apple juice
  • 1/4 C brown rice syrup (can sub honey)
  • 1 C raisins
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

IMG_3087.JPG

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 350*.
  • Mix dry ingredients and spices in a bowl and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula.
  • In a separate bowl, combine applesauce, apple juice and brown rice syrup. Stir with a spoon to incorporate.
  • Pour over oat mixture and stir well.
  • Spray cooking spray on baking sheet and pour granola on top. Spread evenly to cover baking sheet.
  • Bake for 45 minutes, tossing every 15 minutes.
  • Once cooled, store in an airtight container.

IMG_2800.JPG

One thing I might change is to not bake the raisins with the granola and add them in when it’s done. They expanded in the oven and then came back down to size, but tasted a little more crispy than soft. I would also add more cinnamon for a more vibrant flavor, maybe 1 T cinnamon.

I really liked the crisp-ness of the oats without the brown rice cereal which I use sometimes in granola. The coconut toasted nicely in the oven, and the flavor came from nutmeg and cinnamon.

A fitness update:

Well, if you’ve been following along, you might remember that I’ve been having pains along my right leg for quite a while. No one likes a complainer, so I just stopped writing about it. I’ve been doing some physical therapy, got a cortisone shot, had an x-ray, have stopped running for a few weeks, and continue to stretch and not do too much on my foot. My right ankle area is strained, which should get better with time, and my right IT Band continues to be a booger only when I run.

To make up for not running, I have been walking more, doing the elliptical, stair master, jumping rope, etc. I still do CrossFit two days per week which is still the most intense workouts I do. I would like to start swimming again, but for now I enjoy being outside since the weather is nice. When it gets really hot, I’ll want to get in the pool again. It could be tomorrow when it’s mid-80s, who knows.

I am glad that 2010 was the year of racing for me, because my right leg will not have it right now. Even though the half marathon in December was what really triggered some major lingering pains, I am very glad I accomplished it! And I’ll deal with my leg over time.

Until then, I don’t have many fitness related goals, except to keep exercising and sweating and challenging myself. I have some CrossFit related goals, like to get faster and hustle and to continually lift heavier, so those are good to work toward.

It has been quite a bummer to not be able to run the distances I want, but it could be worse.

 

Filed Under: Breakfast, Exercise, Injuries, Snacks · Tagged With: , , , ,

No Bake Granola Bars

January 25, 2011 by 5 Comments
IMG_1312.JPG

I’m still on this granola bar kick, and this time I tried some different ingredients with a no-bake technique. These are packed with nutrients like flax, oats and healthy fats, and some basic spices for added flavor. The peanut butter flavor is very strong, and the textures of seeds and crunch is really nice.

IMG_1313.JPG

Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 C old fashioned oats
  • 1 C puffed brown rice cereal (or any kind of puffed cereal)
  • 1/4 C sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 C each chopped dates and craisins
  • 2 T ground flaxseed meal
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 C brown rice syrup
  • 1/3 C creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla

A few things to note about ingredients:

I always talk about Peanut Butter & Co. peanut butter, but for baking, I use a generic very creamy butter. Partly because it’s cheaper, and also because the texture and flavor is strictly peanuts and more liquidy.

I use dates instead of raisins because I like their added sticky-ness. You can also use any dried fruit, I just always have these in my pantry.

This was my first time using brown rice syrup, which I read a lot about. It is a similar texture to honey, but I have read that one cannot be substituted for the other.

Instructions:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients and spices.
  • In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine vanilla, syrup and peanut butter. Microwave for 20-25 seconds until easier to stir.

IMG_1300.JPG

  • Once combined, add the wet to the dry and stir well. The liquid is very thick and sticky so work hard.
  • In a square baking dish, pour mixture evenly and press down with back of spoon. Press it well because it’s not going to bake.
  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting.

IMG_1302.JPG

I flipped mine over to cut them very smoothly. Slice into squares or rectangular bars. Would make 12 bars or about 15 squares.

IMG_1304.JPG

Keep refrigerated so the bars stay whole and don’t crumble. I individually wrapped mine in Saran Wrap.

These held together much better than my first try at bars. They are chewy because it wasn’t baked and crunchy because of the puffed cereal. I loved the flavor a lot, love the pieces of dried fruit, and love the look. I still wish they cut prettier and held together better. But for homemade, they are a keeper. Would be great to add to a lunch or have as part of a snack. Or crumble in yogurt or cottage cheese.

IMG_1325.JPG
I took mine to California and they traveled great and lasted until they were gone.
IMG_1310.JPG
Filed Under: Breakfast, Recipes, Snacks · Tagged With: ,

Banana Nut Granola Bars

January 16, 2011 by 4 Comments

Making granola is fun and pretty simple, and there’s so many ways to change it up. I wanted to try making granola bars(as opposed to granola pieces) and try a new flavor, so here you have Banana Nut Granola Bars. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breakfast, Recipes, Snacks · Tagged With:

Crunchy Fruity Granola

January 11, 2011 by 7 Comments
IMG_1090.JPG

I used to not like granola hanging around the house because it is really not a healthy food, even though you might think it is. It can be very high in sugar and calories from oil, dried fruit, and extra sugars. And it can have a lot of preservatives to make it last a long time in your pantry. The alternative to buying granola, even if it’s gourmet and made in a grocery like a Whole Foods house brand granola, is making your own where you control the ingredients. Here is my latest obsession–crunch, fruity granola clusters.

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 C old-fashioned oats
  • 3/4 C almonds (about half each whole and slivered or sliced)
  • 1/2 C pecans
  • 2 T ground flax meal
  • 2 T sweetened coconut
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • pinch nutmeg
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/3 C craisins
  • 1/3 C raisins
  • 1/4 C maple syrup
  • 2 T applesauce
  • 2 T smooth peanut butter
  • 1/3 C brown sugar

Instructions:Boil the wet ingredients on the stovetop and let simmer for 8-10 minutes.

IMG_1079.JPG

Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl and add the wet to the dry once thickened.

IMG_1080.JPG

Pour on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.

IMG_1082.JPG

Bake at 300* for 45 minutes, stirring every 12-15.

Cool for 20 minutes before eating. If you can wait that long.

IMG_1087.JPG

What I liked best about this granola is that it was crunchy and there were little clumps that stuck together. I have made granola in the past, like here and here, which were good, but this is better. I store it in a tupperware container and it lasts a long time. My favorite ways to eat it are plain as a munchy snack, on top of oatmeal for a crunch, in milk for a little snack, on top of cottage cheese, or in yogurt with a high-fiber cereal.

If you try this one, let me know what you think! It’s one of the best recipes I’ve created.

IMG_1107.JPG
P.S. I have a new story all about making perfect oatmeal on CultureMap. Click here to see it.
Filed Under: Breakfast, Snacks · Tagged With: , ,

So. Much. Pumpkin

October 26, 2010 by 9 Comments

I can’t get enough of the pumpkin flavor. When the temperatures are going back up, I need to grab on to something that says it’s Fall. So canned pumpkin it is. And I have gone to town. When I open a can of pumpkin, I try to make a few things so it doesn’t go to waste. One can goes a long way! Here are two recipes.

Pumpkin Granola

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 C old fashioned oats
  • 1/2 C slivered almonds
  • 2.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 C brown sugar
  • 1/4 C flax seeds (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 C maple syrup
  • 1/2 C canned pumpkin
  • 2 T applesauce
  • 1/2 C mixed dried fruit (I did apricots, raisins, cherries)

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 350*.
  • Coat a baking sheet with Pam.
  • Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another. Leave dried fruit out for now.
  • Add wet to dry and stir well.
  • Add dried fruit and mix.
  • Spread over baking sheet evenly and break up clumps.
  • Cook for 30 minutes, flipping the granola every 12-15 minutes.
  • Let cool completely…unless you sneak a bite.

This granola is so addictive! I have been eating it by itself, over yogurt or cottage cheese, or over oatmeal (next recipe below). I like that it doesn’t have oil or added sugars, instead getting its sweetness from applesauce, brown sugar, and maple syrup.

Granola with yogurt, Fiber One, and berries:

Triple Pumpkin Hot Oatmeal

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 C Scottish oats (you can use any type of oat)
  • 1 C water
  • 1/4 C almond milk
  • 1/2 smashed banana
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 T canned pumpkin
  • pinch salt
  • 2 T raisins
  • topped with Pumpkin Granola and drizzle maple syrup

Instructions:

These instructions work for every stovetop oatmeal recipe I make now.

  • Bring water to a boil.
  • Add oats and whisk well.
  • Add milk, spices, smashed banana, raisins. Let cook for five minutes.
  • Add pumpkin puree and let cook for five more minutes.
  • Pour into bowl and top with granola and syrup.

The “triple” is canned pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and Pumpkin Granola. This was a very hearty and savory breakfast and not too sweet. I actually don’t think pumpkin is sweet on its own. And I love raisins in oatmeal because they plump up so nicely.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Filed Under: Breakfast, Recipes, Snacks, Vegetarian · Tagged With: , , , ,