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What’s your favorite part of cooking? We often say things like  – I love food, I love cooking – but it’s interesting to think about which part of the process really excites you…

I think it’s important to understand the reasons why you do things.

Why bake your own granola when you can buy it? Why spend an afternoon making bread? Sure, we can say because it’s healthy – but I think that only scratches the surface. If you dig deeper,  you may find really interesting parts of yourself. Maybe you’re sensory and love the smells and sounds of cooking. Maybe you’re traditional and love the history and culture of cooking. Maybe you’re creative and love using your hands. Maybe you’re scientific and cooking lights up that part of you… most likely it’s a combination of elements that, when they come together, make you feel… happy in the moment.

When you spend time cooking – you’re spending time searching for what makes you happy – and that is always time well spent.

So, quite simply – this granola makes me happy. The smell, the taste, the way the pale oats soak up the amber color of maple syrup…  but also I’ve realised that what makes me happy – is that moment when my husband walks into the kitchen and sees a fresh batch of his favorite granola. He thinks I’m great… I know, it’s totally self-serving – but you know what, that’s entirely ok!

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Happy, Healthy & Homemade Granola Recipe

This recipe has the perfect balance – not too sweet and just the right amount of saltiness –  it’s pretty perfect! You can always customise it to your taste and add extra ingredients – but use this as your base.

ingredients:

  • 4 cups oats
  • 1.5 cups coconut flakes
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (hazelnut, almonds, walnuts, pecans… one or a combo – whatever you like)
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup,
  • 4 tbsp coconut oil ( you can also use grape seed oil which is neutral in flavour)
  • 1/4 tsp salt

directions: 

  • preheat your oven to 175 c/ 350 f
  • mix your wet ingredients: coconut oil and maple syrup plus the salt – until well combined
  • in a large bowl, toss in the oats, coconut flakes and nuts.
  • pour in the wet ingredients and mix until everything is well combined
  • spread it evenly onto a baking tray
  • bake for about 25 minutes, stirring it halfway through and then every few minutes until golden brown

Tips to make your homemade granola amazing

  1. Add your own flavours – there’s nothing stopping you from mixing in flavourings like vanilla extract or cinnamon before baking. Or get creative like Eastern Granola – they add in chili flakes and even curry powder! Remember, you are the boss of your granola.
  2. Watch your granola – when it’s in the oven start keeping an eye on it after the half-way point, it will go from golden brown to straight up burned in the blink of an eye!
  3. Dried fruit – If you like, you can add raisins, dried cranberries, dried mango… anything! Just make sure to add them in after the granola is out of the oven. Otherwise, the dried fruit can go hard in the oven.

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How about a little challenge? The next time you’re cooking (whether you like cooking or not) try to watch out for the things that make you happy. What are those exact moments? Hearing the sound of a sizzling pan? Or maybe the planning and organising of a meal, making it pretty with a bit of garnish? Look out for it and take note.

Will you do it? I’d love to know what you discover. Tell me in the comments!

9 responses to “Happy, Healthy & Homemade Granola Recipe”

  1. Nothing beats home made granola. Satisfying to make and to eat. As you mention Militza, I add vanilla and cinnamon, as well as seeds. You can put in or leave out whatever you feel like. Once you start making your own shop bought will never taste as good!

  2. This recipe is a money saver and is deeeeelicious! The sense of joy I get from making and eating my own granola is wonderful, one of life’s pleasures. Thanks so much for the inspiration! I made this for my mum for Mother’s Day and she also loved it! I add seeds xx

    • Hi Terri!! I love reading this – some of my happiest moments are spent in the kitchen making something good to eat! Adding seeds is a great idea!! Its such a good recipe to play with – let us know if you come up with new versions too 🙂

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