Between late-night holiday movie marathons and dark, snowy mornings our weekday routine has been a mess the past few weeks. This morning, Lilly was late for the first bell, a good reminder that our mornings need a serious tweak. The first place we’re going to start is with breakfast: Its time to dust off the granola recipe.
My favorite homemade granola recipe is as easy to make as boxed cereal, but it packs a serious nutrition punch. It’s delicious with milk (on cold days try it with warm milk!), perfect with a dollop of Greek yogurt or, when you’re feeling especially rushed, it’s easy to eat by the handful on the run.
We keep ours in an airtight jar on the countertop where the colorful fruit bits look especially pretty — in fact, its pretty enough to give as a gift. I’m planning to make a double batch this week, keeping half for our family and packing the rest in pretty glass jars for gifting to teachers, neighbors and friends. Attached the recipe with the card and the recipients might enjoy this treat long after the first batch is gone.
Cherry Berry Granola
Ingredients
5 cups old fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 Tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup freeze dried strawberries
1/4 cup dried cherries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Combine oats, nuts and sesame seeds (if using) in a large bowl and toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, honey, vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour honey mixture over the dry ingredients and toss until evenly combined. Spread the mixture onto prepared baking sheet to create one even layer.
- Place baking sheet in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Granola will be fragrant and golden at the edges when cooked. Remove baking sheet from oven and, use a rubber spatula to gently press the granola into the pan. Allow to cool completely.
- When completely cool, use a spatula to begin gently breaking the granola into pieces. If preferred, dump the entire pan into a large bowl and break granola into pieces with your hands. Add the strawberries and cherries and toss until evenly mixed. Granola will store for up to three weeks in airtight containers.
