Breakfast Granola

Yield: 7 cups

One of my favorite breakfasts for family and friends includes this homemade granola with plain yogurt, fresh fruit (think berries, nectarines, peaches) and honey. It’s sunshine in a bowl! This recipe has endless possibilities based on your preferences. Replace the agave nectar with honey or maple syrup. Try it with dried pineapple and shredded coconut. Add or exchange walnuts, pecans, or sunflowers seeds for the almonds. Happy breakfasting.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups quick oats
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/2 cup agave nectar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
  • 2 cups dried fruit (raisins, dried cranberries, or dried cherries – your choice!)

Directions:

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 300 degrees. Spray a sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut, and almonds.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk the agave nectar, olive oil, orange zest, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom until combined.
  4. Pour the oil mixture into the oat mixture and combine thoroughly. The mixture will be thick.
  5. Spread the oat mixture evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Bake for about 45 minutes, until golden. Give it a stir every 15 minutes or so.
  6. Turn the oven off, crack the oven door open, and leave the sheet pan of granola in the oven to cool.
  7. Add dried fruit and store in an air tight container.

 

 

,

7 Responses to Breakfast Granola

  1. Justine July 16, 2009 at 10:26 am #

    Oh so many ways to make homemade granola – why would you ever buy the store-kind anymore? I’ve made a few variations on your classic recipe kristen – thx for this new one with vanilla rather than maple syrup. And the agave is the best.

  2. Kelly July 26, 2009 at 10:54 pm #

    Hi Kristen! So happy to have been introduced to your blog by Caroline! (We’re finding lots to talk about on our long training runs … and the conversation inevitably turns to food!) I’m going to try your granola recipe, along with several others. Do you have the nutritional information for any of your recipes? I always have my eye out for really good high-fiber recipes. Do you know how much fiber there is per serving of your granola? Thanks, and I’m so excited for your new career!

  3. chezdesblog July 27, 2009 at 9:06 am #

    Hi Kelly,

    How nice to see you here! I do not have nutritional information for my recipes, yet. I do plan on preparing it, eventually. In the meantime, what I do know, is that all of my recipes focus on fresh, whole, natural foods – so I hope you enjoy them in good health.

    Best,
    Kristen

  4. Kelly August 10, 2009 at 9:52 pm #

    Hi Kristen, I made your breakfast granola yesterday. Delicious! My son ate it and said, “This tastes just like a cookie!” High praise indeed. Can’t wait to have it again in the morning with my yogurt. And can’t wait to try some variations, like using honey and other dried fruits. I would like to know what kind of oil you use for this recipe. After reading Super Natural Cooking, I decided to use a little bit of coconut oil. I lightly greased my pan with it, and used about 1/8 of a cup (the rest being canola oil that I’m trying to use up). I could take that to about 1/4 cup, but any more would be too much, I think. I’m really enjoying your recipes and will be serving your pasta with no-cook sauce to company this weekend. Yum! Kelly P.S. Hope your move is going well.

  5. chezdesblog August 11, 2009 at 9:52 am #

    Hi Kelly! So glad you and yours like the granola. One of my goals is to keep recipes simple so people will try them, realizing in the process that healthier eating is within arm’s reach in their own pantry. So really, any kind of oil will do. Personally, I prefer coconut oil or olive oil. You’re right – the possibilities are endless with this recipe. One variation I love includes almonds, shredded coconut, and dried tart cherries. Yummy. P.S. I love Heidi Swanson’s blog, 101 Cookbooks. If you have not seen it, see the link on my homepage. Take care! Kristen

  6. Holly B February 3, 2010 at 4:45 pm #

    HEy Kristen, im not sure if you remember me but i think we have met once or twice, i am one of Caroline’s nieces. Kelly made this granola for us at the shore last fall and it was the best i have ever had! I am about to make some today to send to my sister who is off at college. Thanks again!!

    -Holly

  7. chezdesblog February 3, 2010 at 10:40 pm #

    Hi Holly! Of course I remember you. So glad you like the granola! I am sure your sister will appreciate it. Thanks for writing 😉

Design by Likoma with WOO on WP