I guess you could say that I'm a crunchy granola girl in some ways. Well... not in every way. I'm not a vegan or vegetarian (although I enjoy their recipes from time to time), only recycle when I think about it, still shave my legs and underarms and only occasionally don a loose-fitting madras-cotton top or dress.
But I do eat granola for breakfast on a regular basis, and yes, I make it myself as opposed to paying 5 bucks for a small bag or whatever outrageous fee the grocery markets are charging for granola these days.
Granola is the perfect food as far as I can see. Whole grains, nuts and dried fruits make for an omega-fatty rich, high-fiber, artery-cleansing and potassium-rich (and delicious) way to start your day.
The basis of granola is very simple: rolled oats, vegetable oil, a bit of sweetener and the aforementioned nuts and fruits, with your favorite flavoring added.
If you want to do granola by the book, I think it's 6 cups of oats to 1/3 cup of canola oil, but I threw the book out the window a long time ago, preferring to just feel my way through the granola.
Add sweeter to taste - brown sugar (tip: brown sugar is really just molasses mixed with refined sugar), or honey, or maple syrup, Splenda (blecch) or whatever you prefer.
Add flavoring - vanilla, cinnamon, powdered ginger can be nice, cloves maybe, or even try almond extract as I did with my last batch which I made yesterday.
So: get a big, flat pan and coat the bottom with a layer of the sweetened oat-and-oil mixture. It doesn't really matter if the oats are an inch deep, 2 inches deep or what. Just stir them around periodically to ensure they don't burn.
Add to the oats, a few handfuls of sunflower seeds and sesame seeds, some raw almonds and cashews, peanuts if you aren't allergic to them, or any other combination of nuts that you might enjoy munching on.
Stir up the whole concoction, set the oven to 350 and keep an eye/nose out for a toasty smell. As I said, check it frequently and stir around the pan so as not to burn. It will take maybe 15-30 mins to cook, depending on how well-done you like your granola.
Once your granola cereal is out of the oven, add your choice of dried fruits. Some tasty ones to try:
raisins
craisins (aka dried cranberries)
chopped dates
dried banana chips
coconut flakes
candied apricot bits
Store in a jar with lid, enjoy with a little milk or yogurt and fresh fruit in the morning.
Your crunchy copywriting and marketing girl,
Dina
