Clem's Granola
 

Granola was apparently developed in 1863 by Dr James Caleb Jackson. The modern iteration of granola by Layton Gentry appeared in the late 60s and has gained popularity since then because of its healthy image (Neil Diamond sang about this in his 1972 song "Crunchy Granola Suite"). The healthy concept is underpinned by its base of oats to which various nuts and dried fruits are added. It is more expensive than other breakfast products but you can easily make it at home using various recipes. If you think granola is muesli then you are not too far off because the difference between muesli and granola is that the latter is baked while the former is not.

There are many variations of granola which differ in the caramelizing agent used (honey; sugar syrups; sugars), and the choice of nuts and fruits, although all are added to a base of oats.

Here is my recipe which is not too sweet and has nine additions to oats.

 


Clem's Granola

 

 

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 and 1/4 cup rolled oats (not instant oats)
     

  • 1/3 cup of each of the following (use as many, as few, or as make your own choices):

    • Shredded coconut
       

    • Dried apricots (sliced into slivers)
       

    • walnuts (cut into halves)
       

    • Almonds (cut into halves)
       

    • Sunflower seed
       

    • Sesame seed
       

    • Mixed fruits (sultanas, raisin, orange peel)
       

    • Dried cranberries
       

    • Dried Goji berries
       

    • Dried banana chips
       

  • 1/3 cup coconut oil
     

  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
     

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
     

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

    Note that the quantity of syrup and sugar in this recipe will not be sufficient to result in granola clusters (ingredients stuck in lumps). If you prefer your granola in large clusters then you will need to add more compounds which will caramelize and bind the components together better (at the expense of having more sugars in the product).


METHOD

  • Put all the oats, nuts, sugar and salt together in a large mixing bowl.
     

  • Mix well.
     

  • Add the maple syrup and coconut oil (melt this if congealed) and mix well again.
     

  • Line a baking tray with baking paper (or oil the tray; or use a non-stick tray).
     

  • Layer the granola mix onto the tray, making a thick layer.
     

  • Into a pre-heated oven, bake the granola for some 30 minutes at 165°C.
    be sure to monitor progress of the baking in case of burning.
    You may need to turn over the mix with a spatula several times during the bake to allow for more even baking.
    You look for a toasted brown colour in the finished granola.
     

  • When done baking, let the granola cool down and then mix in the Goji Berries, cranberries, mixed fruit, apricot, banana chips, and shredded coconut.
     

  • Store in an air-tight container.
     

  • Enjoy with yoghurt or milk, or simply snack on it as it is.
     

 

 

26 June 2024

www.clemkuek.com
 

 

Created by Clem Kuek