Granola is one of those recipes that can change every time you make it, and also maintain that familiar sense of comfort and taste of home. My granola recipe is inspired by the one my mom used to make when we were growing up in Cabo. She added dates to hers and cinnamon and made it so unique and flavorful. Her recipe is inspired by the one my Grandmother used to make when she was little. And my grandmother had some secret flavors too, I think she even used raisin bran sometimes. My version contains all those flavors that I remember even though it is so different. And yet, when I make it the smell reminds me of mom, and Grandma.
No matter what time of year it is, homemade granola is the most special treat you can give yourself. It is easy, healthy, low in sugar, and smells so wonderful while baking in the oven. I like to make my granola with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Oats, but you can use your favorite go-to brand.
Here in Cabo we have such a lovely variety of nuts, seeds, and spices that are easy to come by and you can play with different flavors combinations. My go-to spot in San Jose del Cabo to buy bulk items is an amazing little shop called Apotheka. It is rather new, and in a very convenient location downtown in Plaza Cactus. They have the option of bringing your own containers, or using the bags they provide. They have paper bags, or reusable cloth bags for a small cost. They also have cute jars to purchase.
They have very fresh and very good quality bulk items, ranging from teas, spices, nuts, seeds, baking flours, superfood powders, dried fruits, etc… They also have a cute healthy bar now open where they offer coffee, tea and smoothies to go.
The items all have written on the label if it is from Mexico or imported, and although it doesn’t specify they told me all items are from organic origin. I found all the ingredients I needed for my granola there, with the exception of a few items I already had in my pantry (maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla). I used maple syrup today for my batch of granola because I have some I need to use up. Preferably I like to use a local honey.
The nice thing about granola is it’s pretty easy to exchange or rotate ingredients depending on personal taste, seasonal ingredients, and what you have available on hand. I find that this super simple version is the best year-round and makes a delicious topping for your morning yogurt or mid day snack. So have fun with it! Change it up and use what you have on hand.
My easy version does not contain fruit. I am not a fan of raisins, but sometimes like to add cherries or blueberries. I find that the dried fruit is best tossed in after it is done baking while it is still warm. Otherwise the fruit can become hard and difficult to chew. It also leaves flexibility for the maker to have granola with or without fruit, and the opportunity to add in your favorite kind if that’s your thing.
Healthy Homemade Granola
Ingredients
- 4 C Oats
- 1/4 C raw sunflower seeds
- 1/4 C raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 C raw sesame seeds
- 1/4 C raw, sliced almonds
- 1/2 C coarsely chopped walnuts
- 1/4 C flaked coconut, unsweetened
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 C raw honey or maple syrup
- 1/3 C coconut oil
- 1/2 C dried fruit of choice OPTIONAL
- sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Set the oven to 300 degrees F, or 150 degrees celsius.**
- Combine oats, seeds, nuts and coconut in a large bowl to combine.
- In a small saucepan combine honey/ syrup and coconut oil and warm on low heat stirring to combine.
- Add the vanilla and cinnamon and allow to heat together but not simmering. Just gently combine until ingredients are warm and liquid.
- Remove from heat and pour oil mixture over dry mixture and mix well using a spatula.
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange mixture in an even layer over the baking sheet. If the layer is too thick you may need to use two baking sheets so it cooks evenly.
- Sprinkle with sea salt just before baking.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until granola is golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes.
- At this point you can stir in a ½ cup or so of your favorite dried fruit or let cool completely.
- Store in a half gallon size mason jar and enjoy.
Notes
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