Molasses Almond Granola Food

HEALTHY GRANOLA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt and cinnamon. Stir to blend.
• Pour in the oil, maple syrup and/or honey and vanilla. Mix well, until every oat and nut is lightly coated. Pour the granola onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer.
• Bake until lightly golden, about 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway (for extra-clumpy granola, press the stirred granola down with your spatula to create a more even layer). The granola will further crisp up as it cools.
• Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed (at least 45 minutes). Top with the dried fruit (and optional chocolate chips, if using). Break the granola into pieces with your hands if you want to retain big chunks, or stir it around with a spoon if you don't want extra-clumpy granola.
• Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. The dried fruit can freeze solid, so let it warm to room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

PECAN-MOLASSES GRANOLA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk together molasses, oil, cinnamon, and salt. Add oats, coconut, and pecans; stir gently with a rubber spatula until oats are completely coated. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and spread in an even layer. Bake, stirring occasionally, until oats are lightly browned, 25 to 30 minutes (watch carefully, as mixture burns easily). Let cool completely on sheet on a wire rack, 30 minutes.

MOLASSES ALMOND GRANOLA

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 325°.
• 2. Combine first 3 ingredients in a food processor; pulse 10 times or until coarsely chopped. Combine oat mixture, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl; toss well. Spread oat mixture on a baking sheet; bake at 325° for 20 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Remove mixture from baking sheet; stir in currants.
• 3. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper; coat paper with cooking spray. Combine cranberries, sugar, molasses, canola oil, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook 4 minutes or until sugar dissolves, stirring frequently. Pour the cranberry mixture over the oat mixture, tossing to coat. Spread the granola evenly on prepared baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 15 minutes or until the mixture is lightly browned. Remove granola from oven, and cool completely. Break into small pieces. Store granola in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

MOLASSES OATMEAL BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Spray 8 inch square baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
• With a whisk or electric mixer, beat together brown sugar, spices, molasses, oil and egg.
• In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats and baking powder.
• Add to molasses mixture; stir until blended.
• Spread in baking pan.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in centre comes out dry.
• Cool on wire rack.
• Cut into squares.

EASY MOLASSES WALNUT GRANOLA

Steps:

• Put brown sugar, oil and molasses in large bowl, microwave for 30 seconds, then mix well with a wooden spoon.
• Pour oats, nuts, and seeds on top of the mixture and mix everything well.
• Line a large baking pan with aluminum foil and spray the foil lightly with spray oil. Spread the mixture evenly onto this pan.
• Bake in preheated 350 oven for 20 - 30 minutes. Stir well after the first 10 minutes and then at 5 minute intervals until everything is lightly browned.
• Let cool (watch out -- the nuts are HOT when they first come out of the oven) and store in airtight bags or containers.