As far as I'm concerned, there is no lovelier aroma than any of about a 1/2 dozen of my favorite essential oils difussing in my home, with ONE exception; I love the smell in my kitchen when I'm making homemade granola! I think it's even better than chocolate chip cookies! I made some this morning and I'm getting ready to top my favorite yogurt with it right now!
I am happy to share my granola recipe with you which I remember fondly coming from a Bed and Breakfast in California about 15 years ago when I visited there for a weekend.
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| Homemade Granola |
When I stayed there on a girls only trip with my very best friend, we just couldn't believe how amazing this granola was- served warm out of the oven with just a little milk over it. The chef shared the recipe with us then and I'm so grateful because I've made it many, many times since and I still think it's the best I've ever eaten! I'm sure a lot of granola recipes are similar, but this one really brings back the memory of that weekend many years ago.
Here is the recipe:
GRANOLA:
Hand toss all these in a large bowl:
6 cups rolled oats (not quick cooking)
1 cup coconut (unsweetened or sweetened)
1/3 cup raw seasame seeds
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
1 cup raw chopped cashews
1 cup raw chopped pecans
MIX:
In a small bowl, mix these liquid ingredients:
1/2 cup oil (canola, olive, whatever you like)
1/3 cup water
2/3 cup raw honey
1 1/2 T pure vanilla extract
BLEND:
Pour the blended liquid ingredients into the bowl of oats/nuts and stir well until everything is coated.
Spread mixture out in 2 13x9 pans or large sheet pans with 1" edge. It shouldn't be too deep or it
will take longer to bake, about 1" deep in the pan you're baking in is good.
Bake at 325 F for 20-30 minutes, checking every 10 minutes at the beginning to toss as it's browning
and check every 5 minutes towards the end so it doesn't burn. Add dried fruit of your choice (optional); I like dried cranberries or dried cherries! Cool completely before storing. Freezes nicely for about 2 months.
ENJOY!
