Mole Scented Granola Food

MOLE-SCENTED GRANOLA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a large baking sheet with nonstick spray.
• Heat the oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat until it melts and begins to shimmer. Add the spice rub and salt and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly darkened and the raw flavor has cooked out slightly, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the maple syrup and honey and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat and let steep for at least 10 minutes and up to 30 minutes.
• Combine the oats, almonds and pumpkin seeds in a large bowl. Pour in the maple mixture and stir well to combine.
• Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake until lightly golden, 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway (for extra-clumpy granola, press the stirred granola down with your spatula to create a more even layer). Do not look for the granola to become crispy in the oven--it will crisp up as it cools.
• Remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely, about 30 minutes. Top with the dried cherries and chocolate. 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. Serve or store in jars with tight-fitting lids for up to 1 week.
• Whisk together the chile powders, salt, cocoa, sugar, cinnamon, chile de arbol, allspice, cloves and black pepper in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container or small jars with tight-fitting lids for up to 6 months.
• Combine the yogurt, ricotta, honey, zest and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth. Layer in 4 parfait glasses with the citrus and the mole-scented granola then repeat the layers once more, finishing with the granola. Serve immediately. Alternatively, layer the parfait in mason jars, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

VANILLA-SCENTED GRANOLA

Steps:

• Position rack to middle of oven and preheat to 300*.
• Lightly spray large baking sheet with nonstick spray.
• Mix next 5 ingredients in large bowl.
• combine oil, honey and sugar in small saucepan; bring to simmer over medium heat.
• Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.
• Pour hot liquid over oat mixture; stir well.
• Using hands, toss mixture until thoroughly mixed.
• Spread granola on prepared baking sheet.
• Bake until golden brown, stirring occasionaly, about 30 minutes (but check after 20).
• Transfer sheet to rack; cool granola completely.
• (Can be made two weeks ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.) Makes about 8 cups.

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

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 300 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment. Toss together all of the dry ingredients in a very large bowl.
• Combine the oil, honey, and vanilla in a saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring, just until the mixture is fluid. Do not let it come to a simmer. Remove from the heat and stir into the dry ingredients. Mix until evenly coated.
• Spread the granola mixture on the sheet pans in an even layer, leaving a donut hole in the center (for even baking) and bake on the middle and lower racks, without stirring, for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden, rotating the baking pans front to back and top to bottom halfway through. Remove from the heat and allow to cool before breaking up into clumps. Store in well sealed jars, bags or containers.

VANILLA-SCENTED GRANOLA

Steps:

• Position rack in middle of oven and preheat to 300°F. Lightly spray large baking sheet with nonstick spray. Mix next 5 ingredients in large bowl. Combine oil, honey, and sugar in small saucepan; bring to simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour hot liquid over oat mixture; stir well. Using hands, toss mixture until thoroughly mixed.
• Spread granola on prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Transfer sheet to rack; cool granola completely. (Can be made 2 weeks ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.)

GOOD-FOR-YOU GRANOLA

Steps:

• Heat oven to 150C/fan 130C/gas 2. Mix the oil, maple syrup, honey and vanilla in a large bowl. Tip in all the remaining ingredients, except the dried fruit and coconut, and mix well.
• Tip the granola onto two baking sheets and spread evenly. Bake for 15 mins, then mix in the coconut and dried fruit, and bake for 10-15 mins more. Remove and scrape onto a flat tray to cool. Serve with cold milk or yogurt. The granola can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month.