Crunchy Granola..it describes a kind of outdoorsy lifestyle, but it also describes what I love to eat every morning.  But why, oh why, is grocery store granola so expensive?!?!!  Being frustrated by the sky high price of granola, a handful of years ago, I started making my own.  I have tried a lot of different granola recipes, but keep coming back to the same three.  Why?  1.) They are super easy, 2.) I usually already have the necessary ingredients in my cupboard, and 3.) they are DELICIOUS!   Check out these three easy and delicious granola recipes and let me know if you agree:

Aunt Hope’s Maple Almond Granola Recipe

If you have been following me for a while, you know my Aunt Hope is an amazing chef,  so of course she has a delicious granola recipe in her arsenal.  It is one of my favorites.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups old fashioned oats
• 1 cup whole almonds (Aunt Hope uses Marcona, I use regular almonds, both are delish)
• 1 cup walnut halves (can also use pecans)
• 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/3 cup flax seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 5 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Vanilla
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 Tablespoons honey

Recipe Directions:

Preheat oven to 275°.  Spread parchment paper over 2 baking sheets.

Mix all the dry ingredients (oats, nuts, & seeds) in a large mixing bowl.

Mix together salt, brown sugar, vanilla, maple syrup, oil, and honey in a microwaveable bowl/measuring cup.  Microwave for 1 minute.

Pour wet mixture over dry mixture and mix until all is wet.  Spread granola evenly over prepared baking sheets. and press slightly.  Cover with foil.

Bake for 40 minutes, switch baking sheets from upper to lower level of oven and vice versa.  Cook for 20 more minutes.  Remove foil and cook for 15 more minutes (1 hr, 15 minutes total cook time).

Remove from oven and let cool before storing in a air tight containers (it gets crunchier if you let cool).

Everyday Granola Recipe from Epicurious (Modified)

This recipe was my start at granola making and what got me hooked.  It is super easy (just mix a bunch of ingredients in a bowl and bake), not too sweet, the ginger gives it an addictive delicious taste, and it takes less than an hour to make (5 minutes active time, 40 minutes baking).

Ingredients:

• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans (you can buy these at Trader Joe’s already chopped)
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut*
• 3 tablespoons (packed) brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon (generous) salt
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Recipe Directions:

Preheat oven to 300°F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Mix first 7 ingredients in large bowl. Stir in honey and oil (if it is too sticky, you can try microwaving for 30 seconds before mixing).   Toss until the entire mixture is coated.

Spread on prepared sheet. Bake for 40 minutes or until golden, stirring every 10 minutes.

Salted Coconut Granola Recipe from Epicurious (Modified)

If you like the salty sweet taste combination, this granola recipe is for you.

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup agave nectar
• 1/2 cup virgin coconut oil, melted
• 3 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 2 1/2 cups shredded coconut
• 2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped (buy them already in pieces at Trader Joe’s)
• 1 1/2 cups crisped rice cereal (you can also leave this out and its delicious)
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds
• 3 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 large egg white

Recipe Directions:

Place racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 300°F. Whisk agave and oil in a large bowl. Stir in oats, coconut flakes, pecans, rice cereal, sesame seeds, salt, and cinnamon until combined.

Whisk egg white and 1 Tbsp. water in a small bowl. Add to oat mixture and toss to evenly coat. (This is what makes it crunchy).

Divide oat mixture between 2 parchment-lined rimmed baking sheets. Bake granola 25–30 minutes. Let granola cool before transferring to airtight containers

Do you have a favorite granola recipe?  Send me your recipes, I would love to try a new one.

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