142.8…Easy Granola

Fall was definitely in the air at my house last night. I made 3 loaves of Bernice’s Pumpkin Bread, Cranberry Chutney (that I freeze for Thanksgiving. I know…it’s way ahead…I’m nuts.) and a new batch of granola!

This one came out of Real Simple Magazine and was super easy to make. I had almost everything on hand…just needed to buy the dried cranberries I put in it.

Easy Granola  (Makes 6 cups)

Recipe from Real Simple Magazine, April 2010

Ingredients:

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cooking)
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (preferably unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup unsalted pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds) or shelled sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup dried fruit (such as cherries, cranberries, raisins, or currants)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350° F. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the oats, almonds, coconut, and pepitas with the maple syrup, oil, and salt.
2. Bake, tossing once, until golden and crisp, 25 to 30 minutes.
3. Add the dried fruit and toss to combine. Let cool.

Tip: The granola will keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks.

Printable Recipe

Another granola winner! It’s a pretty basic recipe but it tastes great and it totally customizable with whatever dried fruits or nuts you want.

Last night’s dinner was the last of the turkey tacos that I made the other night. This time I put them on tortillas instead of hard shell tacos. I added a salad to go with it too.

I was excited to try my new granola for breakfast this morning. I put it on top of vanilla Chobani yogurt and added strawberries and raspberries.

After I took the kids to school, I drove to Los Angeles to visit my mom. We ran some errands, then stopped for lunch at Green Street Taqueria. I ordered a chicken burrito. It was as big as my head.

I almost finished the entire thing. The only reason I didn’t is because I felt it was embarrassing to be able to eat a burrito the size of my head. Now I feel like there is a brick the size of my head in my stomach. Oh well.

Tonight we are going over to my brother’s house to celebrate his birthday which was last Friday. Happy belated birthday, bro!

 Have you started fall baking? If you haven’t, what’s the first thing you plan on making?

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