I’ve often said that I could eat breakfast food three meals a day.
As much as I love eggs, pancakes, waffles, french toast, scones, quiche, cereal, fresh fruit and coffee, god, don’t get me started on my addiction to coffee, the truth is that even I would grow tired of the carb-heavy menu after some time.
In the winter, I start most weekdays with oatmeal. I often buy an economy size container of oats to leave at my desk. Two minutes in the microwave and a pinch of brown sugar and I have a filling breakfast that I can eat while I type.
But in the spring and summer – and I know it’s only March but I’m already experiencing a little cabin fever – I like to change things up without sacrificing the serving of fiber and whole grains that I get during winter months.
Yogurt alone leaves me famished before lunch so I try to take most nutritionists’ advice and eat a blend of carbohydrates, protein and fat.
Enter, granola. A pleasant mix of rolled oats, nuts and raisins (though any dried fruit is acceptable) and sweetened with honey, this is not only satiating but offers nutrients like vitamin E and magnesium, as well as fiber and protein.
There are lots of good brands on the shelves, but making your own really couldn’t be easier if you have a baking sheet and about fifteen minutes for prep time.
It’s also economical to make your own – store bought granola tends to be pricey.
Since I typically eat it with yogurt a little goes along way – although this is so good, I wouldn’t even discourage you from eating it by the handful.
- 5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ cup almonds
- ½ cup raisins (or the dried fruit of your choice)
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Pour oatmeal into large roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 cup honey, then toss with cinnamon, salt and nutmeg.
- Bake for a few minutes (not even five, just until the honey starts to loosen) then stir until the oatmeal is evenly coated. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes, stirring every five minutes or so to prevent clumping.
- Remove from oven, stir in syrup, almonds and raisins. Stirring every few minutes will prevent pieces from forming clusters - to an extent, I like these in my granola but if you prefer fewer clusters, stir more often.
17 Comments
Lexi
March 18, 2009 at 3:00 amOkay, I think I need to make this. Tomorrow night after work? Yes, I think that can be arranged!
Deborah H
March 17, 2009 at 3:00 amI was JUST thinking about making my own granola the other day! I will have to try this… Though I may experiment a bit because I’ve always been a fan of the richer (aka oilier) granolas 🙂
Matt
March 16, 2009 at 3:00 amI could eat breakfast three meals a day too.
Seriously… I kind of wish I could.
Melissa
March 16, 2009 at 3:00 amYour granola looks great. My boss makes some with almonds and toasted coconut- which is so good on some greek yogurt.
I am an oatmeal girl, too. I mix mine with a handful of dried tart cherries and some silvered almonds. Filling and easy to eat at my desk.
In the summer it alternates between fresh fruit w. english muffins and smoothies of some kind.
kristacooks
March 16, 2009 at 3:00 amYUM! Made granola today! Making bars tonight for the first time. Granola doesn’t last long at my place!
BeachMama
March 16, 2009 at 3:00 amI will have to try this recipe, I have always wanted to try homemade granola, but have never found the perfect recipe, this one could be it!
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I have to say that I will need to double up my workouts if I keep stopping by here with all your cupcakes and yummy recipes :).
Kerstin
March 16, 2009 at 3:00 amI really enjoy granola on yogurt too and I love the whole almonds in your batch!
Very cute blog!
Jennifer
March 16, 2009 at 3:00 amYour granola looks great. I have made my own too, I’m not a huge fan of raisins, so I’ll add a few chocolate chips!
Pearl
March 15, 2009 at 3:00 amwow – i’ve never read a tutorial on how to make granola; it sounds so simple! hehe thank you for sharing 🙂
Lorraine @NotQuiteNigella
March 15, 2009 at 3:00 amI agree, making your own granola is satisfying. Like making bread. It sounds lovely Maris! 🙂
VeggieGirl
March 15, 2009 at 3:00 amBreakfast is my favorite meal of the day too; and WOWZA that homemade granola looks divine!!
Heidi Renée
March 15, 2009 at 3:00 amI’m having oatmeal with molasses right now! And a homemade almond latte, of course.
I like to have dried cranberries with granola. They’re a little more jazzy-tasting and colorful than raisins.
thatShortChick
March 15, 2009 at 3:00 amlove granola but it never fills me up if i have it for breakfast.
oatmeal..don’t even get me started. oatmeal is always at the start of my earliest childhood memories. My mother makes THE BEST oatmeal.
Sophie
March 15, 2009 at 3:00 amMaris, This looks so lovely yummie :)!!!
Allie
March 15, 2009 at 3:00 amI love homemade granola bars for snaking too. It’s fun to gather up your favorite granola bar ingredients to make your own.
Joie de vivre
March 15, 2009 at 3:00 amThis looks wonderful! I too am going a little crazy with my oatmeal every day. I bought some quick grits today to change things up a little, but I think your granola looks a lot better. 🙂
lisa (dandysugar)
March 15, 2009 at 3:00 amI’m definitely doing this soon. I’ve been meaning to make my own granola for months. I’m always trying to find ways to save money too, so this is perfect. It look delicious. Thanks for sharing this!