Sure, there are lots of good crunchy granola mixtures out there these days, many from large food companies. Small specialty markets and natural food stores often sell their own signature mixes, too.
But let’s face it: Nothing beats homemade.
You are going to love this recipe for homemade crunchy granola!
Making granola is more about shopping than cooking. Buy your favorite dried fruit and nuts, grab some high-quality oats, toss it all together with honey or another sweetener and bake it. Done! Easy? You bet!
Granola is a good breakfast or light meal, with or without milk, but it shines as a snack. Packed in small plastic tubs or plastic bags, it travels well in backpacks and zippered pockets. It is super good for you and satisfies a hungry person in a few bites. What’s not to like?
This is one of my favorites. My kids like it, too. Guess you could call it MY signature granola.
Try it and make it your own!
Apricot, Honey, and Almond Granola
I am crazy about this crunchy granola—and I’m pretty proud about how it turned out. I took some to my trainer when I was developing recipes for the book and while I dutifully ran on the treadmill, she ate the entire bag! I was happy to see I am not the only one with zero willpower.
Makes about 6 cups
21/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup diced dried apricots
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly spray a large, rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
Toss together the oats, apricots, almonds, sunflower seeds, coconut, and raisins.
In a small pot, bring the honey, butter, and brown sugar to a boil. Stir to blend and then remove from the heat and spoon the honey mixture over the fruit and nuts. Mix lightly.
Spread the granola on the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for about 30 minutes, stirring once, until lightly golden brown.
Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. Store the granola in a airtight container.