Wednesday, October 03, 2007

The BEST granola recipe ever. EVER.

8 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups wheat germ
1 1/2 cups oat bran
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup finely chopped almonds
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
3/4 cup honey
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups raisins or sweetened dried cranberries

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment or aluminum foil.

Combine the oats, wheat germ, oat bran, sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans, and walnuts in a large bowl. Stir together the salt, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, oil, cinnamon, and vanilla in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then pour over the dry ingredients, and stir to coat. Spread the mixture out evenly on the baking sheets.

Bake in the preheated oven until crispy and toasted, about 20 minutes. Stir once halfway through. Cool, then stir in the raisins or cranberries before storing in an airtight container.

6 comments:

Missy said...

This really is the best one Tonya? Because I went through a granola kick about two years ago and tried several recipes, without finding one I loved. I'm going to have to try to make it.

ashley said...

my mouth is watering.
i heart granola.

Tonya said...

Yes, this is the best I have ever tried. I love it, but that doesn't mean everyone will. I did modify it some, though.

I didn't put in sunflower seeds, because, to me, they don't belong in granola. I just added more of the other nuts to make up that difference. And, instead of 8 cups of regular oats, I used the multigrain oatmeal stuff from TJs. It's in a red container by the steel cut oats.

Oh, and I added flaxseed. BUT, if you use the flaxseed from TJs add it after you cook the granola because it's already toasted, so it will taste burnt if you cook it anymore.

One more thing. Watch your baking time, granola is VERY easy to burn. I suggest undercooking it a bit. More like 15 minutes.

Jen said...

Good tips Ton! I'm sure it'll be the best I'VE ever had!!

Jen said...

I like the Second E-V-E-R!!! HA HA

Anonymous said...

That's a pretty good recipe! I am very picky about granola, and hate most store brands. I thought I'd try making my own. I left out the cranberries and maple syrup, and was afraid to boil the oil and sugar mixture, so I mixed that in while it was just hot but not boiling. I also baked the granola a total of 25 minutes at 325, but my oven always seems to require more time than recipes suggest. I took it out and stirred it twice. Anyway - the flavor is super, and your recipe was very helpful!