I have started eating healthier in 2021. It is something that I have needed to do not only for awhile now, but as I get older. Also, as my kiddos get older. It is super important to me that they develop positive eating habits from a young age. I did not give them ANY sugar for their first year of life and I limit the amount that they intake now. I also make sure that they get healthy amounts of fruits and veggies. Which all of you amazing mamas out there know how difficult that can be. Especially when they are little and want to fight you at every meal and snack period.
Where is the Granola?
I know, I know… you are like I thought this was an article about granola! It is!! I am getting there! I have found that not only for my kiddos, but for myself… it is easier to get the healthy in as long as it is also super tasty. So, with that said, I introduce you to my two favorite granola recipes. The first one is ridiculously easy to make and the kids will go nuts for it. Heck, I go nuts for it! It is the perfect granola to add to your morning parfait.
It literally has three ingredients and can be made in big batches. This will last you for like 2 weeks and it is perfect to have on hand.
The second granola recipe that I love is also super duper simple and a little more “grown up”. Yet, my girls still love it. I used to make this at my job for yogurt parfait bars and people would go crazy for it. They were always asking me the brand and I would say… It’s mine! I make it! It is also perfect for the morning or afternoon snack parfait, but it can also stand on it’s own for a snack all by itself.
Why make granola when you can just buy it?
Granola is one of those things that people, (even me for many years), just thought was too hard or time consuming to make. It is easier just to buy it. Well, I am here to tell you that it really isn’t. It is sooooo simple to make AND so much more cost effective. Not to mention healthier and way lower in sugar. Most granola that you buy in the store either has a lot of sugar, if it is a “cheaper” one. If it is low in sugar and great for you, it is usually really expensive.
Making your own is lower in cost and you can control the amount of sugar. For example, in both of these recipes I don’t even use sugar. I use honey in my granola. It is better for you and gives a beautiful sweetness and complex flavor.
Best Sweeteners and Add ins
The next best part of making your own granola is that you can add anything you and your family like. If you love nuts, add in more nuts or different varieties of nuts. Say you love different dried fruits… add em in! If you have allergies, like my oldest daughter, you can add what you can eat. That is the best part. You can customize it for you and your family.
I love using simple ingredients for the kids of just oats and honey. Yet, for my favorite I add in dried cherries and almonds. So delicious! You can add whatever you love into yours!
Nuts- The best nuts I have found for granola are almonds, pistachios and even cashews
Dried Fruits-Â You can use raisins, dried cherries, dried cranberries and even diced figs or prunes
Sweeteners-Â I love using honey, but you can also use pure maple syrup, agave and stevia syrup
Here are a few of my favorite sweeteners for granola.
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Chef’s Tips
This only thing you need to know when making granola is that you want to do it low and slow. You want to make sure that the oven is not too hot so that the oats do not burn. Also you want to make sure that you stir it often so that it cooks evenly. You will stir and turn your pan a few times. It may seem time consuming, I promise you that the hour or two that you spend making them is so worth it. You will have it on hand for a couple of weeks. Store it in an air tight container and you will be able to enjoy it for a while. You can also freeze it very easily. I make mine on a Sunday morning and have it for the next couple of weeks, if it lasts that long in our house! ENJOY!
Three Ingredient Granola
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 12 tablespoons honey
- 6 cups Old-Fashioned Oats
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees
- In a small bowl mix together honey and oil.
- Add the mixture to the oats in a large bowl and mix until all the oats are lightly coated with honey mixture.
- Pour granola into 2- 12x9 in. pans that is lightly coated with cooking spray and spread it in an even layer.
- Bake for 30 minutes, stirring about every 10 minutes. Turn your pan once through the cooking process.
- Let the granola cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for 2-3 weeks.
Classic Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups oats
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup raw honey
- 1/4 cup vegetable or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cherries or dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut-optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees
- In a medium bowl mixture your oats, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Toss just to combine.
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey, oil, and vanilla
- Pour over the oats mixture and mix until all of the oats are lightly coated
- Pour the mixture onto a lightly sprayed 12x9 sheet pan and make sure it is in an even layer
- Bake for 30-35 minutes and stir half way through the baking process. You make also want to turn your pan so that it bakes evenly. You want some to clump together, but not large clumps.
- Meanwhile, on a separate sheet pan, toast the coconut, if using for about 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Once the granola is done, pull it from the oven and let it cool for about 15-20 minutes. Stir it periodically during the cooling process. Then toss in the dried fruit and nuts and stir into the granola. Add the toasted coconut as well if you are using it. Allow the granola to cool completely before storing in an air tight container. You can keep at room temperature for about 2 weeks and freeze if you wish for up to 3 months.
