Our Granola Recipe

Andrew and I have been using this delicious recipe for the past couple years. Andrew came up with the recipe through several trials and few errors, and we think it is finally all in correct proportion.  Needless to say, we still tweak it every time it is made depending on how we feel and what ingredients are available.  It has been a hit with many friends and family, so I thought I would share the recipe here! I made a batch today (as I mentioned in this post, it is one of the things I do best in the kitchen).

I make it in massive quantity (about 6 quarts), so it normally lasts at least a couple weeks. I've organized the ingredients into four different groups, as you add them at different times. To begin:

First - preheat the oven to 400

Add the following into a big mixing bowl:

- 4 cups large flake oats

- 2 cups roasted peanuts

- 2 cups sliced almonds

- 2 cups coconut

- 2 cups spelt flakes

- 2 tsp salt

Bowl 1

Once all the ingredients are added, give them a good mix. I left them separated for the photo because it looked cooler. Don't let the coolness fool you, I did mix it afterwards!

We use large flakes of coconut, but shredded would be fine too.

 In a second bowl, mix the following ingredients:
- 2 cups sunflower seeds
- 1 cup pepitas
- 1 cup sesame seeds

Bowl 2

In the last bowl, add and mix:
- 2 cups raw cashews
- 3 tbsp ground flax
- 3 cups of raisins (we use golden, thomson, whatever is handy)
- 2 cups of apricots (cut into small raisin-sized pieces)
- 1 cup of miscellaneous dried fruit (this time I used dried apples and cranberries, but it can be anything...go crazy!)

Bowl 3

In a small pot, add:
- 6 tbsp of butter or oil (or a combination of both)
- 6 tbsp of honey

I normally place this pot on the burner that gets the warmest when the oven is on. It melts by the time I'm ready to use it without even turning the burner on.

Once the oven is ready, divide the contents of Bowl 1 into two pans. Place in the oven for 5 minutes. Take it out, put it in the bowl and stir. Then put back into the pans and in the oven for 5 minutes, take out, and stir again. At this point, add the contents of Bowl 2 into Bowl 1, divide into two pans and put it into the oven for 5 minutes. Take out and mix again, this time adding the melted honey/butter/oil goodness and mixing it evenly throughout the granola. Put the mixture back into the oven for 2 minutes.

To recap those crazy instructions:

- Bowl 1 in oven for 5 mins

- Stir

- Bowl 1 in oven for 5 mins

- Stir and add Bowl 2

- Bowl 1 and 2 in oven for 5 mins

- Stir and add honey mixture

- Bowl 1 and 2 and honey mixture in oven for 2 mins

Those instructions look even crazier...I hope this is clear!

Take it out of the oven, add the contents of Bowl 3, and give it a final stir. Note that the contents of Bowl 3 never go in the oven. Let it cool and then put it in an airtight container.

Serve with yogurt, milk, or just eat it as a trailmix snack - Bon Appetit!