Great Granola

Granola is the favorite of many hikers and campers. Not only is it easy to carry, it also provides lots of energy and nutrition for a person on the go. It can be eaten with milk, though many prefer it with yogurt and fresh fruit.  Or, it can simply be eaten dry, in handfuls on the trail. The best thing about homemade granola is that you need not get bored with eating the same thing time after time after time.

Using this basic recipe, you will be able to make your own granola. Then it’s just a matter of mix-n-match to make your granola your own.

Basic Granola

4 cups large flake rolled oats

4 cups rolled barley (or rye) flakes

1 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/3 cup brown sugar

½ cup seeds/nuts

1/3 cup vegetable oil

½ cup dried fruits

Pour oats, barley, salt, cinnamon, seeds and brown sugar into a large bowl. Mix well. Pour vegetable oil over top and mix thoroughly.

Spread evenly onto a baking sheet and put into 150 – 175 degree F oven. Bake until the mix is a toasty brown color (between 15-30 minutes), checking frequently and stirring to get even browning.
Let cool. When the granola is cool, you may add dried fruits to taste. Then mix well and store in a container with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Here are some seeds/nuts that you may consider for making your own granola:

Sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, grated coconut, almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, pine nuts, walnuts.

Here are some dried fruits that you can add to your granola base:

Strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, cherries, apricots, dates, mangoes, pineapple, ginger, raisins, currants, papaya, figs, goji berries, apples, pears, banana chips, prunes, ginger, kiwi, nectarines, peaches, persimmons, cantaloupe, honeydew melon.

See Also:

What is Granola Anyhow?