Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. For many, it is also the meal allotted the least time. Quick options, such as breakfast cereal, are popular choices for those with on-the-go lifestyles.
Store-bought cereal can be very expensive, and though fortified, many contain large amounts of sugar and preservatives. One way to save money is making granola from scratch. It is a very simple process that can be mastered by anyone. Granola is a healthy breakfast option, and is loved by people of all ages. As an added bonus, homemade granola can be customized. There are many ingredients in the basic granola recipe that can easy be exchanged for other items.
This recipe takes a little over an hour to prepare, and makes 6 generous servings of cereal.
Homemade Granola Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups rolled oats (do not use instant or quick oats)
- 2 cups chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds work well)
- 2 cups dried fruit (raisins, apricots, mango, or any other dried fruit will work; if using dried fruit that comes in larger pieces, chop it up before adding to the granola.)
- 1 cup brown sugar, unpacked
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.
- In a microwave-safe container, combine brown sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Microwave for 3 to 4 minutes, until the brown sugar dissolves completely.
- In a large bowl, combine oats and nuts. Pour the sugar mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until they are coated evenly. Sprinkle with seasoning(s) to taste and stir again to be sure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Spread the granola mixture evenly across the cookie sheet. Put in the oven and bake for 1 hour, until it is golden brown.
- After removing the granola from the oven, allow it to cool before proceeding. Use a wooden spoon to break up the granola into smaller chunks, as it will be baked together in larger sections. Put the granola in a large bowl.
- Add the dried fruit and stir to distribute evenly.
Try using different fruits, nuts, and seasonings to create custom breakfast cereal. Apricots, slivered almonds, and nutmeg make a wonderful blend, as do pecans, mango, and ground ginger. The possible combinations are nearly limitless!
The granola can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month. It is delicious eaten dry, or can be served with milk or yogurt. Fresh fruit also makes a wonderful addition to this custom breakfast cereal.
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