Homemade Granola

Wine & Dine Wednesday not about wine nor something for supper, but a breakfast/snacking food that rates pretty high in the Watson Sive household, granola. Last month I started to make a few batches to see how making it at home would turn out. It is actually quite easy and incredibly satisfying to make! We have lots of favorites from over the years that we purchase and friends also give us their version for gifts. So far, this is my recipe for a go at it, after reading up on it and looking over lots of recipe variations. There certainly is no one way to go about it. This is what I have tried a few times and was happy with the results. Like with all cooking, use the best ingredients you can get your hands on for this. Have fun. Enjoy!

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup raisins

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup pistachios

OK, here is the deal, you really can use whatever nuts and raisin equivalent you would like. The photo above, my last batch, included what I have in the ingredient list. I have also used walnuts and dates. The cool part is you really can make it your own.

Oven to 300 degrees with the rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl add the oil, syrup, vanilla and salt. Mix together. Then add in the oats. With a wooden spoon mix all together until the oats are thoroughly coated. I chopped half the pistachios and left the other half whole. Mix those in with the sunflower seeds and the raisins. I left the raisins whole as they were jumbo variety. Many recipes say to put in the fruit after it comes out of the oven. I like that they plump up a bit and get caramelized. Your call here.

Spread out evenly on the parchment paper. Put in oven for 12 minutes. Take out and mix around and put in for another 12 minutes. Cooking time is 24 minutes total. It will all continue to cook once you take it out and let the entire lot cool. Break up and put into jars or baggies once cooled.