Granola

I'm sure you're familiar with the concept of Granola. It's a wholesome, hearty mixture of oats, nuts, seeds, and sweet syrup baked until beautifully golden. It's absolutely perfect for a variety of occasions ��� a quick breakfast, a high-energy snack for an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a late-night dessert. Make no mistake, this isn't just a bland health food; it's flavourful, versatile and oh-so-delicious. You gotta try it fellas! Your tastebuds will be doing the happy dance.

Granola is super easy to make. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, you're able to whip up a batch that lasts for weeks. It's perfect for those of us with busy lifestyles. Plus, come on, homemade granola is just better. It's fresh, and you get to control the sugar and the ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: Around 3 cups

So, enough of the chitchat. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty and learn how to make some banging homemade granola.

Ingredients & Equipment You'll Need

• 2 cups of rolled oats
• 1/2 cup of almonds
• 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup of dried fruit (optional)
• A pinch of salt
• A baking sheet

The oats are the main component providing that hearty, substantial base. The almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavour, while the honey or maple syrup is what sweetens up the granola and helps it all stick together. Feel free to substitute the almonds with hazelnuts or the honey with agave syrup if you prefer.

How To Make Granola

1. First off, pre-heat your oven to 350��F (175��C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. While your oven is heating, take a large bowl and combine your oats, nuts and a pinch of salt.
3. After that, drizzle on the oil and sweet syrup. Thoroughly mix everything together so all the oats and nuts are coated.
4. Then, spread the mixture out onto your baking sheet. Make sure it's in an even, flat layer.
5. Bake for about 30 minutes in the preheated oven, giving it a good stir about every 10 minutes, until nicely golden and crisp.
6. Finally, let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. If you want, you can stir in some dried fruit.

Tips For The Best Results

• Try not to over-bake it. Remember, it will continue to harden as it cools down.
• Store your granola in an airtight container to keep it crispy and fresh.

Storage Tips

• Well stored granola can last up to a month at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make granola without nuts?

A: Absolutely, feel free to omit the nuts if you have an allergy or just don't like them.

Q: Can I add spices to my granola?

A: Yes! Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg would be a delicious addition.

Q: Can I add chocolate to my granola?

A: You can, but make sure to add it after the granola has cooled, otherwise it will melt.

Q: Can I use different kinds of oat for granola?

A: Yes, you can. However, quick oats tend to not hold up as well as old-fashioned oats.

Q: Can I make a gluten free version of granola?

A: Absolutely, just make sure the oats and other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.

Nutritional Facts of Granola

Per 100g of Granola: Calories: 471kcal, Protein: 12g, Carbohydrate: 66g, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 27g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 10mg

Granola is proof that delicious food can also be good for you. My version may not be as low calorie as the supermarket variety, but trust me, it's worth it. The flavour is utterly delightful. Remember, you can also chuck in whatever extras you fancy. So go ahead, indulge in a handful or two ��� it's perfect on its own or sprinkled on top of yoghurt or compote. Enjoy!