Life is far too short for store-bought commercial granola! Homemade granola is easy to make and can be a healthy, comforting, and delicious treat any time of day. Most of the store-bought stuff is high in high fructose corn syrup, contains unhealthy fats and oils, and is packed full of fillers and unnecessary ingredients. Whipping up your own at home is super easy, quick, and allows you to control the amount of sugar and quality of ingredients, while also changing things up and adding in the flavors or dried fruit that you love. We make the following simple recipe at the Inn. Guests can always add additional mixed nuts or dried fruits from our breakfast starter buffet. Making granola also makes your house smell amazing – like you’ve been slaving in the kitchen all day. Once you try it, you’ll turn your nose up at the boxed stuff — you’ll become a granola snob. Out guests at our Santa Fe inn love it with cold milk or spooned over Greek yogurt. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 8 cups rolled oats (not quick oats)
- 3/4 cup toasted almonds
- 1/2 cup toasted sunflower nuts
- 1/2 cup dry flaked coconut
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup of dried fruit of choice (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Place parchment paper or foil on 2 baking sheets.
- In a medium saucepan stir together oil, brown sugar, honey, vanilla, and salt. Heat while stirring until brown sugar melts. Oil and sugar will remain separated.
- In a very large bowl, stir together oats, toasted nuts and coconut. Pour on liquids stirring well to evenly coat dry mix.
- Spread mixture evenly onto two baking sheets. Bake 15 minutes then remove and stir. Bake additional 10-15 minutes until dark golden brown. Remove and stir. May require additional baking time until granola reaches your desired color. Let cool thoroughly before storing in airtight container.
