When I was grocery shopping the other day, I was in the section where they have oatmeal and granola, and saw a bag of granola that was made with maple syrup and almond butter. That sounded really good, so I thought I’d try making my own! Homemade granola is so easy to make and it’s fun trying out different flavor combinations.
My homemade granola isn’t quite as sweet as the ones you buy in the store, but I actually prefer it less sweet. And I like being able to experiment with different ingredients and flavors! Homemade granola is great for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. Eat it as a cereal with milk or make a breakfast parfait by sprinkling layers of it over yogurt—with some chopped fruit or berries layered in, too. Or eat it just like it is, when you’re craving a healthier snack!
Maple-Almond Granola
MAPLE-ALMOND BUTTER GRANOLA by NancyC
Makes about 9 cups or 12 to 14 servings
1 cup almond butter
1 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon maple extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
2/3 cup light olive oil or melted coconut oil
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
2/3 cup sunflower seeds (raw or roasted and salted), without shells
1 1/2 cups sliced almonds
Optional: 2 Tablespoons each of ground flaxseed and/or Chia seeds
Preheat oven to 325˚F. Line a large 13 x 18″ rimmed baking sheet or two 10 x 15″ baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
In medium-size bowl, mix the almond butter, maple syrup, maple and almond extracts, light olive oil or coconut oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, stirring together well; set aside.
In large bowl, stir together the oats, sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, and the flaxseed and/or Chia seeds, if using.
Pour the almond butter/maple syrup mixture over the oat mixture and mix until all the dry ingredients are coated.
Spread granola mixture evenly on prepared baking sheet(s) and bake at 325˚F for 45 to 50 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring granola every 15 minutes for even baking. Let cool completely on pan (granola will get crunchier as it cools), then store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Recipe from NancyC | nancy-c.com
Like I said, homemade granola is simple to make and it’s so good! And when life gets busy, it’s nice to have something that’s homemade and easy to make, to start your day well. I’m all about keeping things as simple and peaceful as I can during busy times! In 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (The Voice) it says, Make it your goal to lead a peaceful life. It’s during those crazy days and busy seasons we need more peace and quiet, right? As we move from summer into fall, hope you have time for quiet, rest, and peaceful moments during your hectic days!
NancyC 