After our field trip back in time to Fort Christmas last week, I began to reflect on all the modern conveniences that I enjoy. While I long to simplify, there are those things that I do not see myself living without. Ever. In my own defense, I have gone through phases wherein I fashion my own handmade laundry and dishwasher soap.
But I soon discovered that I disliked yellow laundry and spotted dishes. Therefore, enter the joys of couponing. I’m able to purchase my favorite brands using a combination of Buy 1/Get 1 and coupon stacking and likely I’m spending less than I would on ingredients to make the products.
I can justify most anything.
But even though I can purchase whole grain cereal somewhat cheaply, I’ve found that I actually prefer my own concoction. Which I will now share with you. I don’t know where the original recipe came from but I’ve been messing with it over the years, and I think it has reached near perfection.
I use this as either cereal or granola atop plain yogurt. I’ve also been known to grab a bowl of it before I cook it and just call it Muesli. To me, it tastes like oatmeal cookie dough. But without the guilt.
Granola
- 3 Cups Whole Grain Oats (not the quick cooking kind)
- 1 Cup Chopped Walnuts
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- Dash of Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 Cup Coconut (optional)
- 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
- Dash of Salt
- 1/2 Cup Maple Syrup
Give a glass baking dish a shot of cooking spray. Mix ingredients together in the pan and cook at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once or twice during the process.
I like mine slightly undercooked, so I pull it out after 20 minutes. It has nothing whatsoever to do with my impatience…
Also, this is a great recipe if you are going gluten free. You can purchase gluten-free Old Fashioned Oats from a company called Bob’s Red Mill. I can find them at Wal-Mart in a 32 ounce bag for between $6 and $7. I know, pricey.
You can’t screw this recipe up. I’ve nearly dispensed with measuring cups and just guesstimate. You could also go wild and throw in dried fruit and such.
And this, my friends, is as far as I’m going to go today in my quest to simplify. I’ve solved my coffee pot dilemma, and I’ll share that discovery this week. Suffice it to say that my shadow has not darkened the drive-thru of McDonald’s in well over a week.
{ 6 comments }
Thank you for sharing the recipe!
I’ll definitely have to give this a try.
Mmmm, I love playing with different granola recipes. A tip on the gluten free oats: Amazon usually has the Bob’s Red Mill GF oats cheaper than I’ve seen in stores, around $4-6 (the price varies).
Sounds delicious…I know, granola is very expensive. I like to put it on yogurt and have that for my bedtime snack in place of ice cream and peanuts! I am laughing about the denim jumper. I mentioned to my grown girls that I would like to switch to elastic waste jeans since I can vary 3 sizes, in about 5 minutes. It is just so fun being in your 50′s. They informed me that I should not dress like an “old” lady, and which point I notified them that I AM an old lady. Oh no, one does not get that title until you are at least 80. The hardest thing about menopause…is…getting dressed every day . You can be a size 8 at 7 am, and a size 12 by dinnertime! I digress
I’ve only ever found one store bought granola that I like, and that was a very pricey brand at Whole Foods which was several hours from my home when we lived in the U.S. A friend gave me the recipe I use now, and I’ve adapted it to our particular tastes. Oh, who am I kidding, MY particular taste; my husband will eat anything
Mine is similar to yours but since I’m not a big fan of coconut I don’t use any. Mine includes 7 cups whole grains (here in Argentina I can only get oatmeal; in the states I’d hit the health food store and get wheat and barley flakes and mix those up with the oatmeal), 1 cup sweetener (I prefer maple syrup but you can use Karo, honey, whatever), 1/2 cup fruit juice (or even water if you don’t want to add more flavor), and nuts or dried fruit in your own preferred quantities. I add a lot of nuts and no fruit. Because I prefer fresh fruit on top my granola and yogurt.
I make my own yogurt too. I bought my yogurt maker about 8 years ago as a birthday present to myself
I use it on an almost daily basis, since it’s not only good with granola, but I use it as a substitute for sour cream in recipes, and we like a dollop on soups, or a cup of it combined with fruit juices and ice for a refreshing “liquado” (smoothie). We eat at least a gallon of yogurt each week, and some weeks more.
Even more than the economics of it (although that definitely plays a part), I think homemade just tastes better and you know exactly what’s in it… no need to try and decipher the ingredients label with a dictionary in hand.
Two things…
They sell Bob’s Red Mill at my local Big Lots for $3-$4. I have been buying the 5 grain Rolled Hot Cereal (36 oz), which looks like glorified oatmeal.
Back away from the denim jumper. Cabi makeover anyone????
Best granola EVER – that you don’t have to make yourself – is Archer Farms Organic Granola at Target. Several varieties, but my favorite is French Vanilla Almond Crunch. Amazing as a stand alone snack, in a bowl with milk or on top of yogurt or pudding. Side note (which on any other blog would be TMI, but we’re here): eat a bowl of this every day and you won’t have the added expense of Metamucil. Ever.
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