100 things I made with my CSA deliveries, #8

[mangofandango]

GRANOLA, FOLKS.

Every now and then our CSA gives us this ginormo bag (okay it's like 5 lbs. but that is pretty ginormo) of rolled oats. I struggled to use them all up before the next one appears (in fact, I never do and I end up with a backlog and/or giving away oats and/or there was that one bag WITH THE MOTHS OH GOD). No more, for I have discovered making granola! Plus, it is nut-free and safe for Sophie! I missed granola, this is kind of a revelation, why did I not try it sooner? It is not hard. Here is the recipe (which I cut in half-ish, usually, but):

10 cups rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened coconut
1 cup sesame and/or sunflower seeds (I have not included these because I don't have them, but I am sure they would be good!)
2 tsps cinnamon
1 cup sunflower (or other mildly flavored) oil
1 cup honey (I like less)
1/2 cup maple syrup

You can add dried fruits, nuts, etc. to your heart's content - the recipe says it allows for a up to 3 cups of additions before you really need to change your ratio. I use a little less sweetener and a little extra oatage, since I haven't added much in the way of additions yet (we have done this twice).

Stir it all together in a big bowl until it is well mixed. Pre-heat the oven to 250, spread the granola out on a baking sheet or a couple of 9x13 pans. Bake for 70-90 minutes, stirring at 30 minutes and about every 10 minutes thereafter until it looks golden brown and done (I taste to see if it's granola-y. :) I think last time, I raised the temp a bit to like 325 at the 70 minute mark and did a few minutes at that temperature to speed it up because I was in a hurry, that worked fine. :))

There is granola baking here RIGHT THIS MINUTE and some of that granola is going to go on top of apple crisp later. Also Sophie and I made vanilla ice cream with a caramel swirl. OMG.

Comments

[n-elisbeth.livejournal.com]

I always bake granola at 350 for about 20-30 minutes usually just stirring once in the middle and baking until its to the brown that I want. You can also let it sit in the over after you turn it off to keep baking it if its not quite right.
I've had success with using a bit of molasses as well, makes for a less sweet but yummy flavor if you like molasses. You can also add powdered ginger or nutmeg or allspice to give it different flavors.
Just make sure you add the dried fruit after you bake it or you'll end up with burnt raisins!

Gots to love the granola!!!
Glad you've discovered the joys of making it!

[mangofandango.livejournal.com]

Your baking method seems much more sensible! I have been more or less following this recipe because I am a newbie, but it takes forever and I always jack up the temperature at the end anyway, so - next time, I will try it your way! My fam likes molasses and the different spices are a good idea, so I'll try that, too. Thanks! I am excited to be able to eat granola again.

[n-elisbeth.livejournal.com]

Yay!
BTW- I'd love to see you guys. I'd like to come up to Burlington again and would love to coordinate a visit with you all!

[mangofandango.livejournal.com]

I have been meaning to ask you if you had any plans to come up this way! We would love to see you. Just let me know when you want to visit and we will work something out. :)