Saturday, April 06, 2013

good granola

I find it funny that almost every time someone blogs about granola, they claim that it is THE BEST granola ever. I'm not going to make that claim, but I will say that this IS a pretty dandy recipe. My husband says that it's a keeper, and I'd agree. It's adapted from the NY Times Olive Oil Granola recipe.
Here's my version:
4 cups old fashioned oats
3/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1 cup chopped pistachios
1 cup shelled pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas)
3/4 cup dried fruit of your choice
1 egg white

Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except egg white. Mix well. In a small bowl, beat egg white and pour over the granola mixture. Mix ingredients until evenly coated. Pour onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, or until granola is golden brown. Let granola cool completely and then transfer to an air tight container.
I've been making a batch or two of this granola every few weeks for the last couple of months. My family loves it! It tastes great plain or in milk. Personally, I think it's best when you eat it out of a cute bowl on a handmade place mat. (Of course!)
You can substitute any kind of chopped nuts for the pistachios and pumpkin seeds. I've used cashews, almonds, and walnuts with great success. For the dried fruit I've used  raisins or chopped cherries. Basically whatever combination I have in my cupboard on that day. And it's all good. :)

If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think!

26 comments:

Lee D said...

my daughter is always experimenting with granola recipes and I bet will love this one.

Jeneta said...

It looks delicious! Granola is not huge in Australia, though I really like it. I think I'll try it out on my family!

kate said...

we love granola, though I've never heard of adding an egg. My kids have been asking for some though, so ill be giving this recipe a shot! Thanks for sharing!

Lauren said...

Love homemade granola! My Dad always poured apple juice on his. So good.

Anonymous said...

Looks yummy, I am almost out of granola in my cupboard, I think I will give this a try

gMarie said...

I make my own granola as well. Do you bake your dried fruit or add it later? I always add it after the granola is cooled and has a chance to clump up. g

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

almost the same as my "best granola ever" LOL

Amanda Jean said...

gMarie,

I add the fruit in before baking, but you can do it either way. It gets a little extra chewy when you bake it, but I like that. so it's up to you!

aj

Amanda Jean said...

kate,

i read somewhere that the egg white helps the granola clump nicely. i think it works well! let me know what you think!

aj

beth said...

you COOK too???

Maggie said...

Granola looks delicious. Placemat looks gorgeous!

Chase said...

We've been receiving homemade granola from our friend, but I wish to make my own with extra nuts or fruit in them. I have added some of these ingredients to my next week shopping list.. I will come back and let you know how it goes..

sulu-design said...

Funny - I JUST pulled a batch of granola out of the oven to cool. I wish I'd seen your post before I made it. I would have loved to add olive oil! I'll have to try it next time, knowing that it won't be earth-shattering (as many claim granola recipes to be, you're correct), but probably very good. Hope all is well!

kathy-o said...

OK - you sew, you paint, you "mom", AND you cook - see...I don't think you sleep! I'm trying this today!

Julierose said...

Hi Amanda Jean: I love granola and used to make it for my kids, too. My man has had a hankering for some granola--will give yours a try--sounds yummy!! Thanks, Julierose

Rachel said...

Yum!

Tracybug Creative said...

Mmm cardamom my secret weapon! Looks yummy

Marie said...

This sounds delicious, and the fact that it has cardamom in it means that it's a must try. I love the flavour of it but have not seen that many recipes that include it. Thanks for sharing! (Nice placemats!)

Sarah Craig said...

Mmmm - sounds good! Maybe my granddaughter and I will make it as a joint project, and maybe she'll even eat some! Worth a try, anyway - I know I'll love it!

Anonymous said...

Your recipe is so similar...but different...to mine! Love the egg white addition! Definitely a "must try".....Thanks a bunch!! Hugs, Doreen

Sandra said...

Mmm. Would like to try this for my DD's classroom. But....there's a p/nut allergy. Do you think it would work with extra fruit but no nuts (would it still be granola?)

Anonymous said...

What a great idea! I will give that a go next month... when I have some time!
Esther

Anonymous said...

It IS good granola. Try it sprinkled on plain yogurt. That's my favorite way to eat it.
And thanks for sharing some with us. I think homemade granola is one of my favorite gifts.

Clair said...

I should make some of that. I just nibbled on it when I was at your house last time.

Sharmond said...

I would love to see a post about your sewing machines. The pictures look like two that I am interested in. Not sure when I will be able to get a new machine, but would love to have a larger harp area for quilting. It gets a little snug, but I am going to keep trying fmq. Enjoy your blog!

Mama Pea said...

Is there such a thing as bad granola?