My Magnificent Obsession: Granola

Usually, I reserve the word LOVE for people, animals . . .

things that can love you back.

BUT, I do have two exceptions.

I absolutely LOVE

Granola

and

Bread!

That's right: I love granola. And I love bread. (BTW: I'm pretty sure they love me back.)

And since it's the weekend, I thought it would be fun to share a couple granola recipes with you--with hopes that you will LOVE them, too. (We'll post a bread recipe next weekend.)

Now, I've already shared my love of Elvis Granola with you--banana chips, dark chocolate, peanut butter. YUM! (See archives for August 16, 2011.)

PS: Not my Elvis Baby, but so cute!

And Elvis Granola is probably one of my Top 3 Favorite Granola Recipes of All Time. (I love that phrase: "Of all time." Hyperbole rocks!)


So, now I'd like to share MY OTHER TWO FAVORITE GRANOLA RECIPES OF ALL TIME:


1) Coconut, Chocolate, Cherry Granola 
from KeepItSimpleFoods


2) Aunt Melissa's Granola
from Artisan Bread in 5


I'm going to repost the recipes here, in case the links go inactive at some point, BUT the photography on both of these sites is beautiful. So do, check them out if you have time! (Step-by-step photos.)

PS: I don't have any ties to these sites. And the site owners don't know The Deseret Housewife at all. Well, yet! LOL!


Coconut, Chocolate, Cherry Granola

KeepItSimpleFoods.com
(Click photo to direct you there).

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup rolled oats

3/4 cup pecans (chopped)

1/4 cup flax seeds (optional)

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/3 cup agave nectar (or honey)

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1/2 cup dried cherries

1/2 cup shredded coconut flakes

1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate (optional--my addition)

1 scant teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Blend dry ingredients in a big bowl.

2. Blend coconut oil and honey/agave and melt in microwave safe bowl until melted (watch for overheating! Minute intervals.)

3. Combine dry with wet ingredients.

4. Bake at 300 degrees for 2o minutes on cookie sheet lined with parchment (turn granola/stir at 10 minute mark).

Aunt Melissa's Granola

Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes' Aunt Melissa's Granola.
(Click photo to direct you there.)

Ingredients:

1/3 cup honey (if you are using a honey that has crystallized, just melt it for a few seconds)

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/3 cup canola oil

2 tablespoons water

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 cups rolled oats

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds

3/4 cup chopped nuts of your choice

3/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (I’ve used sweetened in a pinch and it is quite good, but makes a much sweeter granola)

1/2 cup raisins (I usually end up doubling the amount)

1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped dried apricots and/or dried cranberries (use any combination of dried fruit that you enjoy and as much of it as you like!)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° and line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment or a silpat

2. Mix dry ingredients (NOT DRIED FRUIT--that goes in ONCE granola is baked/cooled).

3. Mix wet ingredients (in separate bowl).

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients.

5. Bake @ 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes (stir at 10 minute intervals--to makes sure browning all sides).

6. Let cool. Add dried fruit.

Tips: 

* Sometimes I add flaxseed (1/4 cup) or flaxseed meal (2TBS).

* Sometimes I add the coconut with the dried fruit (vs. toasting it/baking it).

* Sometimes I add raw peppitas (pumpkin seeds--love them. Hahaha . . .  love, again.)