Walnut Grove Granola

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Whhaaaat?  I’ve never shared my recipe for homemade granola?  Seriously?

granolaSince creating this website (and it’s 2 short-lived predecessors) I have written  somewhere in the neighborhood of 489 blog posts.  Since most of these include a recipe, when I am looking for m favorite recipes these days I start with my blog.  It is a fast and easy way to find a recipe, read it on my iPad in the kitchen and not have to print on mounds and mounds of paper.

This week I decided to surprise my granola-loving sous-chef, dish-washing mom and make a batch of homemade granola.  We all love it, but she really loves it!  I did a quick search of this website on my iPad.  Couldn’t find granola.  Hmmm.  Fired up my computer (thinking that would help) and did another not-so-quick search.  Couldn’t find it.

Then I signed on to the WordPress software I use to write my blog.  Search … granola.  Couldn’t find it.  Is it possible I haven’t shared this recipe?  I thought I had.

Granola bowlWhen I was an innkeeper I made this granola every 3 weeks.  My friend and regular guest, Toni, loved to have granola with blueberries in the morning.   She would stay for 5 days at a time, 3 and sometimes 4 weeks out of the month.  There is no way a person can eat Praline French ToastQuiche Lorraine, Butter Rolls, or Buttermilk pancakes and peach compote  5 days out of the week!  Granola and fruit to the rescue!
granola panfulOn my recent winter vacation my friend Val introduced me to this Oikos Greek Yogurt.  I have tried several other brands of Greek yogurt but this one is the best I have tried.  It is loaded with flavor, fruit, zero fat, and low calories.  When I sprinkle on a tablespoon or two of granola – breakfast is ready! I am lovin’ this yogurt!
Oikos yogurtHomemade granola is easy to make and the ultimate comfort food when you are done.  However it does take some time and patience.  Start this process in the morning while you are doing laundry.  The laundry and granola will all end up done at the same time and you will be feeling really satisfied!
big bowl for granola I use my BIG Tupperware bowl to mix the oats, nuts, wheat germ and just about anything else you want to include.  My recipe will give you the amounts of the ingredients I use, but you can substitute walnuts, pecans, or any of the ingredients for like-ingredients that you may prefer.

honey and molassesThe syrup is made from a little oil, honey, molasses, almond and vanilla flavoring.  If you prefer honey over molasses you can use more honey.  If you like the stronger taste of molasses, use less honey and more molasses. A very flexible recipe!

sugars on granolaThe boiling liquid is poured over the all the dry ingredients.  Stirring in the BIG bowl works best.

granola ovenI use two large cookie sheets, divide the granola between the two and begin the roasting.  Slowly roasting the granola at 250 degrees F. is the secret.  The granola is best roasted for 2 to 2 1/2 hours.  Be patient. Do laundry. Read a book.

stirring granolaEvery 15 to 20 minutes stir the granola and rotate the pans.

Granola bowlIn the end, surprise your mom for breakfast! Store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for a month or two — but it won’t last that long, I promise!  Did I mention this granola makes a stunning topping to ice cream?  Also, walnuts have an amazing health benefit!

~ Blessings, Catherine

Walnut Grove Granola
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
A healthy, delicious choice for breakfast, snacks or topping ice cream. Homemade with no preservatives.
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
  • 5 cups rolled oats (instant or old fashioned)
  • 1½ cups shelled sunflower seeds
  • 1½ cups wheat germ
  • 1½ cups shredded coconut
  • 1½ cups bran flakes
  • 1½ cups pecans, chopped
  • 1½ cups walnuts, chopped
  • 1½ cups slivered almonds
  • ¾ cup sesame seeds
Syrup
  • ¾ cup canola or coconut oil
  • 1 cup honey
  • ½ cup molasses
  • 1½ teaspoons almond flavoring
  • 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. Mix dry ingredients in a very large bowl and set aside.
  2. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring syrup ingredients to a boil and simmer gently for 4 minutes.
  3. Pour syrup slowly over the dry ingredients and mix well.
  4. Place granola evenly on two sheet pans.
  5. Bake in 250 degree F. oven. Roast for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring every 15 to 20 minutes. Rotate pans from top to bottom during the roasting.
  6. Serve with milk and fruit or use to top yogurt.
Notes
Slow cooking is the secret to the success of this granola. Don't hurry the process. Cool thoroughly and sprinkle with raisins, if desired.

Store in an airtight container. Serve with milk and garnish with fruit.

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5 thoughts on “Walnut Grove Granola”

  1. Catherine came to my house to help me recover after surgery a few years ago and I mentioned I liked granola. Well — that was enough to get her in the kitchen to make her granola for me! I admit to not being a cook (a real hint is that the things that I suggest to her that she likes are things you buy at the store (like yogurt) — but this is an easy, delicious recipe. I’ve made it several times and sometimes change up ingredients a little (my taste leads me to more honey than molasses). I love it on yogurt, ice cream, or just alone for a quick little snack. You’ll love it too, I’m sure!

    Reply
    • I completely forgot how I introduced you to my granola, thanks for reminding me! I also think back to when you came to Walnut Grove to help me decorate the B & B for Christmas — definitely YOUR forte’ and not mine! God has given us both different gifts that we have been able to share through the years– Thank you!

      Reply
  2. Love granola! I like that this doesn’t have white sugar in it or brown! I’ve been using coconut oil for a lot of things. Is your glass jar vintage? My mom had some of these when I was a kid and I use them now for my sewing room. Need to go get a new box of oatmeal!

    Reply
    • Glad to hear you like granola. This is a great recipe and healthy too! I had to laugh about the “vintage” jar. My first thought is “heavens no” and then I got to thinking how old it is… since I am actually “vintage” this jar just may be! ha! ha! Blessings my friend, thanks for making me laugh.

      Reply

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