Homemade Pecan-Cranberry Granola
39
- Makes4 Cups
(Photo: John Cullen)
Easy, healthy, and tasty, it’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast meal to satisfy hungry guests.
Ingredients
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
3 cups large-flake oats
100-g pkg halved pecans, about 1 cup
1 cup pepitas
1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
Whisk honey with oil, vanilla, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add oats, pecans and pepita seeds. Stir to coat.
Heat 2 large non-stick frying pans over medium-high (using two pans cuts cooking time in half). When hot, divide oat mixture between pans. Cook, stirring frequently, about 1 min, then reduce heat to medium. Continue stirring, adjusting heat as needed, until golden and toasted, about 6 more min. Stir in cranberries.
Transfer to a baking sheet to cool completely. Granola will keep well, stored in an airtight container at room temperature, for up to 1 week.
Chatelaine Quickies: Pecan cranberry granola
Nutrition (per ½ cup)
Calories 515, Protein 11g, Carbohydrates 59g, Fat 29g, Fibre 6g, Sodium 80mg.
Granola variations
Seed swap: In place of pepita seeds, use 1 cup raw peeled sunflower seeds or 1/2 cup sesame seeds.
Just nuts: Omit cranberries. Double quantity of nuts, replacing berries with almonds or walnut halves.
Orange-apricot: Sub chopped dried apricots for cranberries, and zest an orange over finished granola.
Fragrant spices: In place of cinnamon, use 1/4 tsp ground ginger, grated nutmeg or a combination.
Three ways to use it
5-min dessert: Grate peeled apples and pears. Firmly press into ramekins, stopping 1/2 in. from rim. Scatter granola overtop. Microwave on high for about 3 min, until fruit is tender.
Movie snack: Stir 4 cups popcorn with 1 cup granola in a large bowl. Store in resealable bags.
Crunchy salad: Scatter 1/4 cup granola over your favourite spinach salad for extra crunch.
