LYA’S HOLIDAY GRANOLA
A few years ago when thinking about holiday gifting and looking at my long list of recipients, I made the decision of making granola instead of cookies. I figured some people would appreciate something different and healthier, and I like the idea of giving something practical, in this case for quick breakfasts during this busy time of year. Plus, making big batches is easy, and I can give it to clients, friends, family, neighbors, and my son’s school teachers. The key is sourcing the best quality ingredients your budget allows, use nice looking glass jars, and make cute labels listing your ingredients—I promise these will be a hit!
I’ve worked on this recipe and have tweaked it many times. What you find here is the one that I find most people like best, but make it your own! It’s so easy to substitute the types of nuts, dried fruits and spices.
Makes about 5 quarts
Ingredients
6 cups of oats (or sprouted oats like these)
2 cups almonds, chopped
1 cup chia or hemp seeds
1 cup sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or 1/2 cup each
1 cup coconut oil or butter
3 tablespoon cinnamon
2 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/3-1/2 cup of raw honey per baking sheet (about 1 1/3 cups total)
1 1/2 cups of pistachios
3/4 cup goji berries
3/4 cup currants
1/2-3/4 cup organic rose petals
*I used sprouted oats, nuts and seeds because they are easier to digest, especially for immuno compromised people and those with a delicate digestive system. No need to add this step, but if you would like to do the same: soak them overnight; rinse and drain the next day; let them dry; transfer to the oven at the lowest temperature possible for just a few minutes until completely dry and a bit crisp, but not toasted. You could also use a dehydrator OR buy already sprouted nuts and seeds (they are, however, pricier).
Pre-heat the oven to 350
In large bowl combine:
Oats
Almonds
Chia or hempseeds seeds
Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds*
Over low heat, warm until melted:
Coconut oil or butter
Remove from the heat and add:
Cinnamon
Allspice
Nutmeg
Pour the oil/spice mix over the oat/nut mix and combine thoroughly. Spread evenly on parchment lined baking sheets and bake for 15 minutes. I used 3 baking sheets.
Remove from the oven and add:
1/3-1/2 cup of raw honey per baking sheet
Pistachios
Return to the oven and bake for 10 more minutes or until golden brown. With the granola still warm, transfer to a large mixing bowl and add:
Goji berries
Currants
Rose Petals
(Or any other combinations of dried fruit, unsulphured if possible – i.e.raisins, chopped apricots, figs, etc)
Let it cool thoroughly before putting it in airtight jars.