Love granola – hate the price of it? Make your own!
Homemade Cranberry Pecan Granola
I love granola, but I do not want to pay $7 for a box of it. A few years ago I had the pleasure of staying at a bed-and-breakfast on the coast of Maine. Every morning we would sit out on the patio watching the lobstermen working and the sailboats drifting by while enjoying our breakfast. The chef would bring out homemade granola, yogurt and fresh fruit while she was preparing the main dish. When I got home I was so excited to make my own granola! And when I realized how easy it was, AND how cheap it was I was hooked! The following recipe is so simple and tasty. You can add to as you wish – it’s a flexible recipe. And on a cold day it is a yummy way to warm up your home!
Homemade Cranberry Pecan Granola
This loose-textured granola will stay fresh for at least three weeks if stored in an airtight container.
Vegetable oil spray
3 cups old-fashioned (not quick-cooking) rolled oats
1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped (or any type of nut you like)
1 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon table salt
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and heat the oven to 300°F. Spray two rimmed baking sheets with vegetable oil spray. In a large bowl, mix the oats, pecans, cranberries, cinnamon, and salt.
Then in a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is melted. Stir in the oil and vanilla. Remove from the heat and pour over the oat mixture. Stir with a spoon until well mixed.
Divide the mixture evenly between the oiled baking sheets and spread in an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes, stir, and switch the positions of the pans, and then bake until the oats are golden brown and the nuts look well toasted, another 10 to 15 minutes. The oats may feel soft but will crisp as they cool. Let cool completely in the pans, and store in airtight container. Yields 4 to 5 cups. (Modified from a recipe by Robin Asbell)
- Wendy
Helping you achieve your Domestic Success!
Tags: granola, homemade granola
Sounds great, plan to make it this weekend
thanks
Wow. Great tip. We love granola in this house but don’t like the price! Great idea, I will have to try!
(found you through SITS)
Enjoyed your blog! Thank you for letting me poke around!
Great for homemade holiday gifts in a nice jar with pretty ribbon.
I have been looking for a recipe like this. Thanks.
I’m so glad your website is back. I can’t wait to try to make my own granola. I was just thinking the same thing yesterday while food shopping how pricey it is and how to make my own little snack.
You are sweet Luisa! It’s so easy – and yummy!
Well-written. Thanks. I have been learning a lot about low-fat cooking lately. There are a lot of creative recipes using rice out there, the trick is finding one that really brings out the flavor of the rice you are using. Visit my blog if you’d like to read more. Thanks again for this blog – it is really informative.
Thanks for the blog tip – I always love finding new blogs! Thanks for the comments!
Wendy
Hi Wendy,
This one looks great – love cranberry pecan flavors. Can’t wait to try my hand at it again!
Thanks so much for pointing me in the direction of this post – I completely agree with you! Now that I’ve realized how easy it is, I’m HOOKED! I think I might get a little dangerous with all of the combinations I’m going to dream up
Thanks again,
Jessica
Thanks for stopping by – making granola is so fun – I’ve had so many friends make it now that never even thought of making it!
“” I am very thankful to this topic because it really gives up to date information *`*
Well, that’s good, however what about additional choices we have here? Would you mind making one more article regarding all of them too? Regards!