Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Maple Pecan Granola | Breakfast Foods


Its so cold here that I feel we are living in the Arctic!! Every week, we see a fresh batch of snow, followed by ice rain, and then temperature drops. The ice rain freezes everything and the temperature which can be as low as -20F with wind chills of -35F keep everything beautifully frozen. This has got to be the bitterest winter I have encountered here. The upside of all this cold is that the kitchen is warm and its easier to dish out yummy recipes. I have been baking a lot and we are eating a lot of pies, gratins, macaroni bakes, and cookies. All essential to keeping up the energy and temperament while essentially being stuck indoors!! A warm kitchen does make for a warm home:)

My cousin on the West Coast had a baby some weeks ago. I had wanted to send her a big batch of my home made granola and yesterday I finally stuck the granola mix in the oven. I followed my regular granola recipe which I have to say is very successful. Everyone who has shared this granola with us loves the mild sweetness that comes from the blend of honey and maple syrup, the fragrant cinnamon, and pecans!! Doesn't everyone love pecans!! Pecans have to be my all time favourite nut!! I can eat them raw, toasted, in cakes, granola, cookies, salads, you name it!! Well this beautiful granola will catch the Saturday morning post  to the West Coast.


Ingredients:
4 cups oats (old-fashioned)
1 cup coconut flakes
3/4 cup pecans, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
3 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp cinnamon, ground

Method:
  1. Place the oil, maple syrup, and honey in a small saucepan. Warm gently until all are blended. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, bring together the oats, coconut flakes, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, and salt. Toss to distribute all ingredients evenly.
  3. Pour the blended syrups over this dry mix and toss to ensure that it coats all ingredients.
  4. Spread the mix on a large baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 250 F for about and hour.
  5. Remove from the oven. Cool completely. Save in glass jars.
  6. The granola will be good for up to 3 months.
  7. Enjoy with warmed or chilled milk.
Good to Know
  • If you cannot find maple syrup, replace it with an equal amount of soft brown sugar. Ensure that it is completely melted in step 2 before pouring it over the dry ingredients.
  • At 250 F the granola should not begin to over-brown at the edges. However, if you like, remove the baking tray from the oven at the 40 minute mark. Using a large heat proof spatula, move the granola around so as to redistribute it on the tray. Continue baking for the remaining 20 minutes.
Vegan Substitute: Replace the honey in this recipe with an equal amount of agave nectar or brown sugar or brown rice syrup.

Like this recipe. Tried it. Leave me a comment:)

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3 comments:

  1. So healthy and delicious granola :) perfect breakfast !! Plz parcel me too some :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It would be my pleasure to Manjula! Email me at annarasa@gmail.com

      Delete
  2. I agree this is one of the coldest winter. So nice of u to make it for ur cousin.

    ReplyDelete

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