granola-types

February has always been one of my favorite months (sorry February-haters, but it's true!). The worst of the darkness is behind me; the days are getting longer, mornings brighter. I always have newly-found energy in February. Granted, I live in a relatively mild climate (I have no idea what below zero Fahrenheit feels like!), but spring seems like it is just around the corner.

For all of you who *do* have the seasonal blues (or are just waiting out frigid temps), would some granola make you feel better? Have some granola. Here's how I've been making it since college:

8 cups rolled oats
2-3 cups seeds, nuts or other add-ins. (this batch had unsweetened coconut, flax seeds and almonds, but we also like sunflower and sesame seeds, pecans, walnuts, any nut, really).
1 cup maple syrup or honey (or a combination of both)
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch o' salt

In a large bowl, mix the oats with your other add-ins (I like to toast my seeds first in the toaster oven if they're not already toasted). In a small saucepan heat the oil with the syrup or honey until blended and then add the vanilla and salt (we've also been known to add a dollop of peanut or almond butter during this step). Stir syrup mixture into the oats until everything is well coated. Spread mixture into roasting or broiling pan (something shallow with sides is good). Cook in 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes (or until nicely browned), stirring every 5-10 minutes to ensure even cooking.

After it's all cooled, you might want to add chopped dried fruit or raisins. Enjoy!

Comments

[Blair]

I am so making this today!

[Mo]

I'm gotten bored with my usual granola recipe. I'll be trying this one this weekend - thanks for sharing!

[tracy]

thank you!

[Mama Urchin]

Adding the dried fruit after you bake is very important. Otherwise the dried fruit tastes kind of gross. We love granola with yogurt, yummy.

[shari]

i love granola. can't wait to try your recipe. thank you steph! xo shari

[Grace]

oh how lovely! thank you! i kind of agree with you about february. it does feel like the darkest part of winter is over, the sunnier mornings are very welcome. on the other hand, we still have a good 2 months of winter left where i am, so in that way it does kind of get old. i'm sort of in between being a lover and a hater of it.

[sally]

Yummy! Thanks for sharing your recipe...we'll be trying it out since the boys are big granola fans. And I'm with you...I love February. =)

[amisha]

mmm... some granola would make me feel better. thank you! :) i'm torn on february too... this is when i start getting impatient for spring.

[Toni]

thanks for reminding me how much i like to make granola. a batch would really hit the spot today.

[Briana]

Yum yum! I am a self-admitted february hater, but I will try to come out of it in order to make some granola. I tried making some once, but I think put the raisins in before I baked it, and there isn't anything quite so nasty tasting as a burnt raisin. Ick. I'll give it another whirl.

[amy k.]

oh this is great. I eat so much of this but have never made it myself-why!?
can't wait to try it.

[Alicia A.]

Thank you, Stephanie. It definitely can't hurt!

[jenny]

thank you dear! :) i can mix some in my summer ice cream now...grin.

[carol]

oh yum- love the homemade kind. thanks for offering another recipe to try. I love adding dried fruit- especially dried Strawberries from Whole Foods (pricey, but worth the extra sweetness).

[Amy]

Mmmm, yummy. I am going to have to try this.

[erin]

mmm...now that sounds good!

[sunny]

almond or peanut butter as an add-in? creative and very yummy sounding. I am going to make your granola this week. THANKS for sharing with us :)

[alison]

Thank you!

[dee]

that sounds yummy, I've made granola on the skillet before from a Molly Katzen recipe but this sounds more crunchy! thanks!

[Shula]

Can't talk, gotta go and make granola.

x

[lindsey clare]

ooh i love granola (though we call it muesli here in Australia). sadly i won't be able to use your recipe because i'm trying to avoid gluten! but it sounds delicious. and i agree, any nuts are great, they add texture and crunch!

[Ellen]

Sounds Yum!

[Morgan]

I love homemade granola and yours looks simply delish! Thanks for sharing!

[sarah]

my mouth is watering! can't wait to whip up a batch with almond butter. thanks for sharing!

[sulu-design]

I read your blog regularly (because I love it so) but never comment (I can be shy like that), but I had to tell you that today's post is just perfect. I eat store-bought granola almost daily, and I'm thrilled to find that making my own doesn't look that hard. Thanks for the recipe, and for the always-fabulous posts.