August 13,
2019
Hello there, Slow Cookerers!
I hope your week has started out nicely, where ever you are.
We are right smack dab in the middle of back to school frenziness -- which means I've gone to Target waaaaaaaaaay too many times this past week.
ALSO? Target is bonkers right now. If you don't have to go, don't.
Trust me.
I care about you and your well being.
:-)
I'd like to share a homemade granola recipe with you today.
This is VERY customizeable --if your family doesn't eat nuts, don't put them in!
:-)
I've purposely kept the added sugar, which is honey, quite low. If you read the back of a package of store-bought granola I think you'd be surprised at all the "extras" they sneak in there!
Enjoy!!
[click through to the recipe to see the photos and comments from readers who have made the recipe and learn their changes/additions]
makes about 8 cups
5 cups rolled oats (if gluten free, make sure the oats are certified GF.)
1/4 cup honey * (see note below)
1/4 cup melted butter * (see note below)
1 tablespoon flax seeds
1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup dried fruit (I used raisins and cranberries)
The Directions.
Put all the dry ingredients into your crockpot.
You'll need at least a 4 quart, although 6 quart would be better so when you stir it doesn't slosh out everywhere.
Melt the butter in the microwave, and add. Add the honey. Toss well.
*note: if you add this amount of honey and butter, the granola will be cereal-like, and not trail-mix like.
If you'd rather the granola clump together in pieces, you'll need to add more honey and butter.
I tried it with the honey and butter doubled (1/2 cup each) and it still didn't clump much--so if you'd prefer your granola that way, you'll need to add at least 3/4 cup of honey.
I didn't want that much sugar, and my kids are cool with eating it like this.
Cover, but vent with a chopstick. Cook on high for 3-4 hours, stirring every so often.
If you can smell the granola cooking, go stir.
It will burn if you don't keep an eye on it. But it won't burn as quickly as it does in the oven!
(ask me how many batches of granola I've had to throw out after burning in the oven. go ahead, ask. )
7. at least 7. I am no good with the oven.
Dump out on some parchment paper and let cool.
Eat with milk like cereal, warmed with milk like oatmeal, or as is.
Seal well in an air-tight container or in a ziplock.
Granola freezes well.
The Verdict.
This is one of the only times I haven't burnt granola, and my kids have been eating it non-stop since the first batch came out of the crock.
I'm going to go have some more right now.
