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! 




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.



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:

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