Cinnamon Nut Granola

I’ve never really enjoyed eating granola for breakfast – or any cereal really –  which is why even though today’s recipe is a really nice granola recipe, I still don’t eat it for breakfast. I will, however, tell you all the other amazing ways you can eat granola. Don’t get me wrong though, this can still be eaten for breakfast and I did try it and like it, but I just prefer eating it in other way’s I’ll explain below (in full discretion i’ve already made three four batches of this recipe – and not for recipe testing purposes).

This recipe is insanely simple to make, bursting with flavour, lasts a long time (even when you pick at it like I do) and you can make a big batch at a time. It isn’t my recipe, although I have slightly modified the quantities within it.

Ingredients:

Dry ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups of oats
• 1/2 cup of type 1 nuts (I used pecans)
• 1/4 cup of type 2 nuts (I used pumpkin seeds)
• 1/2 cup of type 3 nuts (I used sunflower seeds)
• 1/4 cup of flax seeds
• 1/2 cup raisins/sultana’s

Wet ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons of maple syrup
• 3 teaspoons of cinnamon

*Note – why mug measurements?: 

For the measurements just grab any mug from the kitchen. I know this is a random way to do the measurements but for this recipe as we are not actually baking anything and the ingredients do not need to combine it doesn’t matter if the measurements are off. These are the measurements that the original author (Deliciously Ella) has used and so I have done the same!

*Note – which nuts to use: 

It really doesn’t matter what nuts you use in this recipe. You can use whatever nuts you like the taste of just insert them into the place of type 1, type 2 and type 3. I have included what I am using in the recipe to make it easier.

Ideas of nuts to use: pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, mixed nuts and walnuts.

I haven’t added these yet, but you can also sprinkle some dried coconut shavings over the top

Method:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C / 356°F and line a baking tray with baking paper (make sure to cover the sides of the tray as the mixture is likely to go up the sides).

Step 2: Place your type 1, type 2 and type 3 nuts in a food processor and pulse until they are partially crushed (this should be approx. 15 seconds). Note* you should have some small pieces and some larger pieces at this stage. 

Step 3: Pour the mix from the food processor out into your large (must be large) mixing bowl. Note* pick out any nuts that you want to be further crushed and chop them in half with a knife.

Step 4: Pour in the remaining wet ingredients EXCEPT the raisins/sultanas and mix them through (you add these once the granola is cooked).

Step 5: Place the wet ingredients into a small pan on the stove. Once all the ingredients are in the pan turn the stove onto a low setting and stir until the ingredients are completely combined. Note* It should now look like a sweet liquid.

Step 6: Pour the now dissolved mixture into your large mixing bowl and mix through throughly. Note* make sure you get all the small nuts and seeds at the bottom of the bowl.

Step 7: Once throughly mixed through pour the mixture into the baking tray and spread out. Pat down the mixture so that it’s somewhat flat.

Step 8: Place the baking tray in the oven for 30 – 40 minutes checking on the granola about halfway (15 – 20 minutes in) to thoroughly stir. *Note if you don’t stir the granola is likely to burn.

Step 9: Take the granola out of the oven and allow to cool. 

Step 10: Add the raisins/sultanas to mixture and mix through. Pour the mixture into an airtight container.

Step 1: Figure out which nuts you want to use and measure them out.

Step 3: Check the nuts have been properly crushed.

Step 4: Place all the wet ingredients into a saucepan and mix together.

Step 7: Pour mixture into the prepared baking tray and pat down.

How do I keep the granola?

I keep the granola in an airtight container on the counter in plain view. That way, when I come into the kitchen looking for a snack, it is the first thing I see.

How to eat it?

The most common way to eat the granola is with milk or yoghurt for breakfast. 

Some other ideas are to use the granola in a smoothie or to eat it as a snack. This is my preference, as it is much healthier than most of the other things I like to snack on!

My strangest tip for eating granola comes from a friend of mine, who likes to eat this granola as a topping on coconut ice-cream. It seems strange to me – but I’m not going to knock it until I have tried it!

Do you have any other ways to eat granola?

Hope you all give this a try and let me know what you think.

x

P.S This is not my recipe, although I have altered the quantities slightly, this recipe is the brains of the blogger Deliciously Ella and you can view the original recipe here.