Yesterday I spent the afternoon in the kitchen making luxury granola. It is one of the best gifts ever. And it is easy since you can toss it together any way you please. Since I never measure, I basically just toss things together, I cannot give you an exact recipe but I can share with you want I use.
First off I start out with rolled oats then I add some crushed flaxseeds, shredded coconut, pumpkinseeds and a lot of coarsely chopped nuts. You can add any nuts you like, yesterday I had walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts and cashews.
Mix it together in a big bowl. Add cinnamon, honey and a little water. I do not add any sugar but sometimes I toss in some ground vanilla or a little bit or organic apple juice (concentrated). You just want to make sure that everything is a little damp. Then you line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the ingredients on the baking sheet. Place in the oven at about 350 F/ 175 C for about 20 minutes. Make sure to stir a few times so that it does not burn.
When it has cool you toss in lots of dried fruit. Yesterday I had cranberries, goji, blueberries, coarsely chopped apricots, yellow and green raisins. Mix it all together add some more cinnamon if you like and then fill some glass jars. Done! You have a great gift to bring a long to any party around the holidays or to toss under the tree. I promise it is a great success!
The photo above is not from my my batches yesterday but from a batch a while back that i tossed together with the stuff I had a home. Yesterday I added a lot more nuts in fruit. But since it is snowing hear and quite dark my photos are not great. I will try to get a few photos of my jars later this week if the sun comes out. I actually just joined Instagram (simpleblueprint) and shared a few photos in the making if you would like to see.
This is such a great idea! Looks so good. Did you make the cookies?
Posted by: marg | December 19, 2011 at 11:22 AM
Sounds like such a thoughtful gift idea!
Posted by: rooth | December 19, 2011 at 05:56 PM
my friend just made some for me and it was SO good!
Posted by: Krystal/Village | December 19, 2011 at 07:15 PM
I don't know why I've never made homemade granola before, but it's such a brilliant idea! This year, I sent out homemade chocolate hazelnut spread. I think I had some happy recipients...
Posted by: Brandi {not your average ordinary} | December 24, 2011 at 02:19 PM