Granola and the dried fruit mission

Granola is one of my food staples, but has been only since I started making it at home.  For nut allergy sufferers, commercial granola is something that we'll likely never experience.  Nuts are a popular ingredient in granola, and even nut-free granola is processes in the same facilities as nuts, so usually is labeled 'may contain'.

Its my day off and I decided to make a fresh batch for breakfast.  The ratio I use for basic granola is 1 honey : 1 oil : 8 oats.  After that you can add anything you like.  Raisins and coconut are what I've added here (the coconut has a sulphite warning).  I have been known to live on the edge, and for me that's eating dried cherries that were processed in a facility with peanuts or tree nuts.  Since starting this blog I have decided to be more responsible and only cook with completely safe foods.  I am on a serious mission to find nut-allergy-safe dried fruit and seeds, and as I do I will post the products here.

My basic granola recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 300 F.
2. Whisk the honey and oil together in a large bowl and add a pinch of salt and cinnamon (optional).
3. Add rolled oats (not quick cooking oats) to liquid mixture and stir until oats are completely coated.
4. Spread evenly on a baking sheet, or two baking sheets if you are making a large amount. (I often cover it in tin foil so I don't have to wash it afterward! Or you can  use parchment paper, like I have here.)
5. Bake granola for approximately 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and stir occasionally as it cools, so it doesn't become one big granola bar.
7. Mix in raisins, coconut, etc. and store in an airtight container (once completely cool).

 

I'll be eating my granola with fresh fruit while I track down safe dried fruits that you can purchase in the GTA.

Comments

[Diana in Ohio]

What a great granola recipe!!
My 8 year old daughter is allergic to nuts, and it's always a challenge to find foods that are safe for her, and also satisfying for my three other children.
I tried your recipe, and they all loved it!!
There were a few complaints that I left it a little too long in the oven, but overall, they were impressed!!

Thanks!!