Sunday, April 10, 2011

Homemade Granola



There is no doubt that Spring is here and Summer is approaching fast.  At least, that’s how it feels in Southern California.  With the temperature rising, I crave for cool treats in the afternoon as a pick-me-up.  However, I’m kind of watching my waist line (if there’s one) because I want to get ready for the bikini season.  Hahaha…who am I kidding!?  Let me rephrase it.  I guess I just don’t want to look too over-weight when I have to wear short sleeves.  Fact: I’ve never put on my bikinis after having my kids.  I don't dare to look at, or imagine, the “before and after” pictures. Yike…Hopefully, someday in the future, my bikini collection will see the sunlights again! 


Homemade Granola

Who said healthy snacks can’t be tasty?  After today, I hope you’ll change your mind on that.  At least, my family and I did.  These Homemade Granola not only are super duper easy to make, they are to die for.  I love the flaky and crunchy texture of the toasted coconut, oats and almonds.  The honey adds a lovely sweet tone, but not overly sweet.  The vanilla extract accentuate these granolas with a lovely sweet aroma.  When these granolas are baking, your whole house would smell sweet and wonderful.  I say, it’s even better than breads or cookies baking in the oven!  You’ve got to give it a try to find out.

Homemade Granola

In this recipe, I added the Homemade Granola on the bottom of the mini martini glasses.  Top with fresh raspberries and strawberry yogurts, and of course, MORE granolas on top!  This granola is also a wonderful topping for ice cream, gelato or sorbet.  Simply add them to your favorite bowl of cereal or oatmeal would take your morning breakfast to a whole new level.  They are definitely perfect with any cool treat!  But before you add them onto anything, try to refrain yourself from eating the whole batch right out of then oven!  Yes, they are really that good!   :)

Homemade Granola









Homemade Granola:
Makes: 4 cups 
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup sliced almonds
pinch of kosher salt
3 tablespoons butter, melted (Vegan option: substitute with vegetable oil or coconut oil)
1/3 cup honey (Vegan option: substitute with 4 tablespoons of agave)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the oats, coconut, almonds and salt together.  In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, honey, and vanilla. Pour the butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until all the oats and nuts are coated.
Pour onto an 11 by 17 by 1-inch sheet pan lined with foil. Bake, stirring every 5-7 minutes with a wooden spatula/spoon, until the mixture turns a nice, even, golden brown, about 15-20 minutes*.
Remove the granola from the oven and allow to cool, stirring occasionally.  Store the cooled granola in an airtight container. 


*Note: I've made many more times of these Granola after this post.  If you're using a larger sheet pan, the baking time might be less.   As soon as the Granola turn golden brown, remove them from the oven.  they will crisp up as they cool.  

Serving suggestions:
1) I munch on them as snacks!  Yeah, 4 cups isn’t really a lot.
2) Spoon a tablespoonful on the bottom of a mini martini glass (or a bowl), top with fresh berries (I used raspberries here), then, spoon your favorite yogurt (I used strawberry yogurt) on top.  Top with more homemade granola goodness and enjoy! 
3) Simply sprinkle over ice cream, gelato or sorbets.
4) Add to your favorite breakfast cereal or oatmeal

This recipe is linked to:
Sweets for Saturday
Mouth Watering Monday
Fresh, Clean and Pure Friday

19 comments:

  1. OMG Amy look absolutely lovely and nice, love the pictures, gloria

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  2. Yes, it's kind of scary breaking out the summer clothes and showing skin. I have to gear up for it. This granola looks great and healthy!

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  3. That sounds delicious, and the photos are absolutely gorgeous!! Good job. I was just thinking, after finishing off that dark chocolate Ritter bar, that I need to start getting serious about 10 pounds. :-( This looks like a great idea.

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  4. This is just the kind of thing my body is craving after the long winter! It's so summery and delicious looking!

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  5. Biki-what? This granola is a great way to kickstart any day.

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  6. Beautiful Amy! I just love the thought that we are transitioning in to the season of warmth and sunshine!
    Your desserts look so refreshing, and the granola...mmmm! I can imagine the house smelling great!

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  7. Granola with yogurt and berries is my all-time favorite spring/summer breakfast. This sounds delicious!

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  8. Your presentation is just gorgeous! I love the combination of granola/yoghurt/fruit in the morning. So delicious but healthy.

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  9. Your pictures are awsome!! I love your mini martini glasses.........so cute:)

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  10. What an elegant way to enjoy granola.

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  11. Yum! Beautiful presentation & pics! Thanks for sharing.

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  12. What a wonderful looking recipe. Your pictures are wonderful.

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  13. Wow! Never knew granola could be this delicious! Looks fantastic!

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  14. I love homemade granola and this one looks really good! The way you served it is perfect - granola + yoghurt = the best of all :D

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  15. So So beautiful and healthy.I can eat this for all meals.Gorgeous presentation and lovely fruity colors Amy.I love it.

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  16. I love homemade granola! I've just recently started making my own bars. They are so much better homemade :)

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  17. It can be served along with breakfast cereal for a fuller meal.

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