Granola with Nuts and Dried Cranberries

This homemade granola recipe blends the nutty goodness of various nuts with the tang and sweetness of dried cranberries. It's a quick and simple recipe, perfect for a wholesome breakfast or as a healthy snack. The toasted oats and nuts provide a satisfying crunch, while the dried cranberries add a burst of flavor and texture. Customizable to your taste, you can choose your favorite nuts like almonds, walnuts, or peanuts. Granola is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, including fiber, protein, and healthy fats. You can make a large batch and store it for convenient, on-the-go nourishment. It pairs well with yogurt, milk, or as a topping on smoothie bowls. This granola is also a great base for exploring your creativity by adding ingredients like seeds, spices, or chocolate chips. Enjoy a delightful balance of flavors that make for a versatile meal or snack option.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 100 g rolled oats
• 100 g mixed nuts (peanuts, almonds, walnuts)
• 50 g dried cranberries

Preparation Time

• Total: 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for roasting the oats and nuts.
2. Spread the rolled oats evenly across a baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer for even roasting.
3. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the oats for about 5 minutes. Keep them lightly golden and fragrant.
4. While the oats are roasting, choose your nuts. You can use a mix of almonds, walnuts, and peanuts based on your preference.
5. If your nuts are large, chop them into bite-sized pieces. This will help them toast evenly and blend well with the oats.
6. Place the chopped nuts on a separate baking sheet or mix them with the oats if you prefer a blend.
7. Roast the nuts for about 5 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and aromatic. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
8. Once roasted, remove the oats and nuts from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
9. Combine the oats and nuts in a large mixing bowl. Ensure they are well integrated to distribute the flavors evenly.
10. Add the dried cranberries to the oat and nut mixture. Gently fold them in to blend.
11. For extra sweetness, consider adding a drizzle of honey before serving, if desired.
12. For added flavor, mix in a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract.
13. If you prefer a chocolatey taste, add some dark chocolate chips to the cooled mixture.
14. Store the granola in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
15. For creative variations, consider adding seeds like chia or flax for a nutritional boost.
16. If you're a fan of spice, toss in a sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom.
17. Serve the granola with yogurt, milk, or on top of smoothie bowls for a nutritious breakfast.
18. For a portable snack, pack the granola in small bags to take on the go.
19. Adjust the sweetness and crunch level by experimenting with different proportions of nuts and cranberries.
20. Before serving, let it sit for a moment to absorb the flavors and enjoy!

Tips

• Customize your granola: Add in your choice of seeds, dried fruits, or spices.
• Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place for maximum freshness.
• Flavor boost: Add honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Protein: 10 grams
• Fats: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 58 grams

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
• Vegan: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave.
• Nut-free: Replace nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed breakfast.
• Use as a topping for smoothie bowls or ice cream.
• Enjoy as a snack by itself or with fresh fruits.

Best Places

• Cafe Granola - Known for its artisanal breakfast bowls. Location: 42 Kingsway, London, United Kingdom.
• Milk & Honey - Offers house-made granola with unique ingredients. Location: 204 Elizabeth St, New York City, USA.
• The Granola Bar - A unique spot for all things granola. Location: 1030 Old Country Rd, Westbury, USA.
• Fresh Times Cafe - Serves delicious granola parfaits. Location: 68 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
• Granola Twist - Known for their healthy granola mixes. Location: 23 Copeland Rd, Manchester, United Kingdom.
• Crunch Cafe - Offers crunchy granola with diverse toppings. Location: 12 Brunswick St, Melbourne, Australia.
• Muesli House - Specializes in wholesome granola dishes. Location: 15 Dumfries Pl, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
• Berry Delight - Combines fresh berries with homemade granola. Location: 108 Sørkedalsveien, Oslo, Norway.
• Nuts & Berries Cafe - Famous for flavorful granola bowls. Location: 30 Näckströmsgatan, Stockholm, Sweden.
• Healthy Bite - Serves organic granola with various toppings. Location: 50 Khreschatyk St, Kyiv, Ukraine.