Chef Alesia Granola: A Nutritious and Delicious Homemade Snack

Granola is a versatile and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Chef Alesia Granola recipe is a delightful blend of oats, nuts, and dried fruits, providing a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness. Whether you enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or straight out of the jar, this homemade granola is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the details of making this delicious and healthy snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chef Alesia Granola is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, homemade snack that’s easy to make and customizable. It’s great for busy individuals, families, and anyone who enjoys a nutritious breakfast or snack. The recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients and allows for plenty of variations to suit your taste preferences.

Chef Alesia Granola: A Nutritious and Delicious Homemade Snack

Recipe by Alesia IonaCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

15

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

perfect for breakfast or any time of day. Made with oats, nuts, coconut flakes, and dried cranberries, this granola offers a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness. With about 250 calories per serving, this easy-to-make recipe yields approximately 12 servings and takes a total of 85 minutes from start to finish. Enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or as a crunchy topping for your favorite smoothie bowl!

Ingredients

• 3 cups rolled oats

• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

• 1/2 cup chopped almonds

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup dried cranberries

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut flakes, almonds, pecans, and walnuts.
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
• Pour the sugar mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
• Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 75 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking.
• Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely.
• Once cooled, stir in the dried cranberries. Store in an airtight container.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Granola

• Even Coating: Ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the sugar mixture for uniform flavor and texture.
• Stir Regularly: Stir the granola every 15 minutes during baking to prevent burning and ensure even browning.
• Cool Completely: Allow the granola to cool completely before storing to maintain its crispiness.
• Customize: Feel free to add your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to make this granola your own.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

• Different Nuts: Substitute any nuts with your favorites, such as cashews or macadamia nuts.
• Dried Fruits: Try adding dried cherries, apricots, or raisins instead of cranberries.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Sweeteners: Use agave syrup or molasses in place of honey and maple syrup for a different taste.

Storing Leftovers

Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator or freeze it. Ensure the granola is completely cooled before storing to maintain its crunchiness.

Pairing Suggestions

Granola is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few suggestions:

• With Yogurt: Layer granola with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a delicious parfait.
• With Milk: Enjoy granola as a cereal with your choice of milk or milk alternatives.
• On Smoothies: Sprinkle granola on top of smoothie bowls for added texture and nutrition.
• As a Snack: Enjoy granola straight out of the container for a quick, healthy snack.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this granola gluten-free? A: Yes, simply use gluten-free rolled oats to make this recipe gluten-free.

Q: How can I make my granola clusters bigger? A: To make larger clusters, press the granola mixture firmly onto the baking sheet before baking and avoid stirring too frequently.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar content in this recipe? A: Yes, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey, but keep in mind that this may affect the overall flavor and texture.

Q: Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits? A: Fresh fruits can make the granola soggy, so it’s best to stick with dried fruits for this recipe.

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