I love granola. I’m normally a fast eater, so the extra-chewing I have to do when eating this type of cereal slows me down, which is a good thing.
Depending on my mood, I either prefer an all-nut based granola or one made with dried fruit. Lately I’ve been in a nutty mood, hence the all-nut granola you see here.
What I love about this recipe is the vanilla-cinnamon background flavor this granola offers. It has such a homespun taste and look. Let’s not forget the incredible smell of the house while it bakes in the oven.
This would be nice to have around the kitchen this holiday season for guests or better yet, place in a mason jar and give as gifts to friends and family. They will love it and so will you.
Position rack in middle of oven and preheat oven to 375o F. Mist a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Mix oats, nuts, sunflower seeds, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl.
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey and oil and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and carefully stir in vanilla. Pour hot liquid over oat mixture, stir and toss until thoroughly mixed.
Spread granola on baking sheet and bake until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally (3x during the baking process) to ensure even baking. Warning: Granola can go from perfectly brown to burnt in one minute, really watch it at the end.
Transfer granola to a large bowl and let it cool, stirring occasionally.
Enjoy your breakfast!
Homemade Nutty Vanilla Granola
4 cups old-fashioned oats (not instant)
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Position rack in middle of oven and preheat oven to 375o F. Mist a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Mix oats, nuts, sunflower seeds, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl.
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey and oil and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and carefully stir in vanilla. Pour hot liquid over oat mixture, stir and toss until thoroughly mixed.
Spread granola on baking sheet and bake until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally (3x during the baking process) to ensure even baking. Warning: Granola can go from perfectly brown to burnt in one minute, really watch it at the end.
Transfer granola to a large bowl and let it cool, stirring occasionally.
Another Granola Recipe You Might Like:
Dried Apricot and Cherry Granola
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