Master Granola Food

THE BEST GRANOLA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Lightly spray a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
• Combine the oats, almonds, coconut chips and salt in a large bowl and stir to combine.
• Combine the brown sugar, syrup and oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and cook, stirring often, until the sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Pour the sugar mixture over the oats and stir until well combined, then spread the granola mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally (see Cook's Note) until toasted and golden brown, 60 to 70 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

HOMEMADE GRANOLA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Toss the oats, coconut, and almonds together in a large bowl. Whisk together the oil and honey in a small bowl. Pour the liquids over the oat mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until all the oats and nuts are coated. Pour onto a 13 by 18 by 1-inch sheet pan. Bake, stirring occasionally with a spatula, until the mixture turns a nice, even, golden brown, about 45 minutes.
• Remove the granola from the oven and allow to cool, stirring occasionally. Add the apricots, figs, cherries, cranberries, and cashews. Store the cooled granola in an airtight container.

BASIC GRANOLA RECIPE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, mix together the oats, light brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Stir the honey, oil and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Use your hands if necessary to make sure it's well combined.
• Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes and then remove from the oven and stir; add the chopped almonds. Return to the oven and bake until everything is toasted and evenly browned, an additional 10 minutes.
• Allow the granola to cool on the baking sheet, then add the dried cranberries and toss to distribute. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

GRANOLA BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
• Spread the oats and coconut evenly across a baking sheet.
• Toast oats and coconut in preheated oven until browned, about 10 minutes; transfer to a large mixing bowl.
• Mix honey, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook and stir until smooth. Pour the honey mixture over the oats and coconut; stir to coat. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
• Bake in preheated oven until beginning to dry, about 15 minutes for crunchy granola bars, less if you like them chewy. Cool completely before cutting.