Monday, May 26, 2014

Granola for Maddie

My daughter, Maddie is a huge fan of granola - she eats it by the bagful.  I had some leftover flax seed and coconut from a diet that I followed for a minute and a bag of roasted almonds from Aldi (super cheap from Aldi!).   So I figured I would give it a go. It turned out womderfully, if I do say so myself.

4 cups of oatmeal (not instant or quick cooking. Regular old)
1/2 cup flax seed
3/4 cups almonds - corsely chopped (other nuts could be used - I think hazelnuts would rock)
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup vegetable oil
4 tablespoons peanut butter
Dried fruit (chopped if necessary). I used dried papaya and dried cranberries.

Mis the oatmeal, flax seed, nuts, coconut and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the honey, oil and peanut butter.  Add the honey mixture to the oatmeal mixture.  Use your hands. Don't be shy - get in there.  Make sure that everything is well coated.

Spread onto a baking sheet (a jelly roll pan - one with edges works well).  Bake at 325 for 20-30 minutes. Stir regularly (about every 5 minutes) and take out if golden brown.  Pour back into a large bowl and add the dried fruit.  That's it. That's all.

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