Wee Granola

Wee Granola

Creating a batch of Wee Granola is one of my favorite kitchen activities. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of toasted oats and nuts filled my home, sparking nostalgia and comfort. This isn’t just any granola; it’s a delightful mix of ingredients that can be customized to suit your taste. Whether I’m preparing it for a busy morning, a midday snack, or even sharing it with friends, it always brings a smile. The best part? You get to control what goes in. No preservatives, just wholesome goodness! You can enjoy it simply with milk, or as a topping for yogurt or fresh fruits. I love to experiment with different nuts and dried fruits, which makes each batch unique and exciting. It’s also a fantastic way to involve kids in cooking; they love stirring the mix and watching it bake until it transforms into crunchy clusters. I often find myself sneaking bites during the cooling process, unable to resist the deliciousness. If you’re looking for a healthy and satisfying option that you can tailor to your preferences, then Wee Granola is your answer!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 52 mins
Prep Time:
2 mins
Cook Time:
110 mins
Difficulty:
Medium
Calories:
350 kcal
Protein:
8 g
Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
Fat:
15 g
Tools Used:
Oven, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon, Baking Sheet

The Best Thing About This Wee Granola

1. It’s Customizable

One of my favorite aspects of Wee Granola is how easily you can modify it. You can mix and match your favorite nuts and dried fruits to create a blend that suits your taste. Want it sweeter? Add more honey or maple syrup. Prefer it crunchier? Stir in some seeds or coconut flakes. The possibilities are endless, and experimenting becomes part of the fun.

2. It’s a Healthy Snack

This granola is packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, nuts, and seeds, which provide essential nutrients. It’s a great source of fiber, healthy fats, and protein, making it a filling option for any time of the day. Plus, you can feel good knowing exactly what goes into it.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep

Making Wee Granola in batches is a great way to prep your snacks for the week ahead. It stores wonderfully in an airtight container, meaning you can enjoy homemade granola without spending time in the kitchen every morning. Just grab a handful or two, and you’re ready to go!

4. A Family Favorite

Kids love Wee Granola, and I can guarantee it will become a family favorite. Whether eaten by the handful or with milk, it’s a snack that everyone can get behind. It’s also a great way to get them involved in the kitchen; they love to help mix the ingredients!

5. Great for Gifting

If you’re looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, look no further than Wee Granola. Package it in a cute jar with a ribbon, and you have a delightful present for friends or family. Everyone appreciates a healthy, tasty treat that they can enjoy right away.

Key Ingredients for Wee Granola

Wee Granola

When creating Wee Granola, the selection of ingredients plays a vital role in the texture and flavor. This recipe beautifully combines rolled oats, nuts, and seeds to create a crunchy yet chewy granola. Each ingredient not only contributes to the overall taste but also packs a nutritional punch, making this a wholesome snack that you can enjoy anytime.

  • Rolled Oats: 2 Cups
    These are the base of your granola, providing a hearty texture and essential fiber. Make sure to use classic rolled oats instead of quick oats for the best results.
  • Sliced Almonds: 1/2 Cup
    These add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the oats perfectly.
  • Cashews: 1/2 Cup
    Chopped cashews bring creaminess and a richer taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  • Sunflower Seeds: 1/2 Cup
    These tiny seeds are packed with nutrients and add a nice crunch to your granola.
  • Raisins and/or Currants: 1/2 Cup
    For a touch of sweetness, add raisins or currants. They balance the nutty flavors beautifully.
  • Dried Cherries: 1/4 Cup
    Chopped dried cherries add a tartness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the other ingredients.
  • Wheat Germ: 2 Tablespoons
    A superfood that boosts the nutritional content of your granola while adding a subtle nutty flavor.
  • Cinnamon: 1/2 Tsp
    A pinch of cinnamon enhances the flavor and adds warmth to each bite.
  • Honey: 1/2 Cup
    This natural sweetener binds the granola together and adds a delightful sweetness.
  • Vegetable or Canola Oil: 1/2 Cup
    A little oil helps to toast the granola and create those crunchy clusters.
  • Milk: Whole, Rice, Soy, Almond or Low Fat
    This can be poured over your granola or enjoyed on its own!

How to Make Wee Granola

Wee Granola

Making Wee Granola is as simple as mixing, baking, and enjoying. You’ll find that the steps are easy to follow, and the result is a delicious homemade snack that you can feel good about serving. Let’s dive into the process!

  1. Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. This low temperature allows the granola to bake evenly without burning.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, sliced almonds, chopped cashews, sunflower seeds, raisins, dried cherries, wheat germ, and cinnamon. Stir the mixture together until well combined, making sure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together the honey and vegetable oil until smooth. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well until everything is coated. The oil and honey will bind the dry ingredients together.
  4. Spread the granola mixture evenly onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure it’s in a single layer for even baking.
  5. Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. During this time, the granola will start to turn golden brown and fragrant.
  6. After 30 minutes, take the granola out and stir it gently. This helps to ensure that it cooks evenly. Spread it back out into an even layer.
  7. Return the granola to the oven and bake for an additional 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. The longer it bakes, the crunchier it will become.
  8. Once the granola is golden and crunchy, remove it from the oven. Let it cool on the cookie sheet. This cooling period allows the granola to harden and form clusters, which are fun for kids to break up.
  9. Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container for storage. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can last up to two weeks!
  10. To serve, place a generous portion of granola in a bowl and pour your choice of milk over it. Enjoy it as a snack, breakfast, or even dessert!

Things Worth Knowing

  • Cooling is Key: Allowing the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet ensures it becomes crunchy. Stir it gently while it cools for the best texture.
  • Storage: Store the granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can last up to two weeks, but I doubt it will last that long!
  • Variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, and dried fruits based on your preferences or pantry ingredients.
  • Serving Suggestions: Wee Granola can be enjoyed with milk, yogurt, or even sprinkled on top of oatmeal for added crunch.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

Wee Granola

There are so many ways to make Wee Granola uniquely yours. Here are some tips to help you adapt the recipe to fit your taste!

  • Storage: After making your granola, store it in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh. It can last for about two weeks.
  • Freezing: If you’ve made a large batch, consider freezing half of it. Just ensure it is in a freezer-safe container to maintain its texture and flavor.
  • Pairing: Wee Granola is perfect with your choice of milk, yogurt, or even as a topping for smoothie bowls to add that crunch factor.
  • Customization: Don’t hesitate to switch up the nuts and fruits based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Try adding pumpkin seeds or even chocolate chips for a treat!
  • Breakfast Boost: Serve it with fresh fruits like bananas or berries to enhance the nutritional value and flavor.
  • Healthy Treat: Use it as a topping for desserts like ice cream or puddings to add a healthy crunch.

What Goes Well With This Wee Granola

When serving Wee Granola, there are countless ways to enjoy it! Here are some ideas that will elevate your experience:

  • Milk Options: Enjoy it in a bowl of cold milk—whether it’s whole, almond, or soy, choose what you love best!
  • Yogurt Parfaits: Layer the granola with yogurt and fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a delicious breakfast or snack.
  • On Top of Smoothies: Sprinkle it over your favorite smoothie bowl to add a satisfying crunch and additional nutrition.
  • As a Snack: Pack it in a small container for a healthy snack on the go. It’s perfect for midday cravings!
  • With Seasonal Fruits: Pair it with seasonal fruits for a fresh touch, especially in the summer when berries are at their best!
  • Breakfast Cereal: Serve it with a side of fresh fruit and a splash of milk for a wholesome breakfast!

FAQ

It’s best to stick with rolled oats for Wee Granola. Quick oats can become mushy during baking and won’t provide the same texture. Rolled oats are specifically designed to hold up during the cooking process and give granola a chewy, hearty base.

To make your Wee Granola gluten-free, simply ensure that you use gluten-free rolled oats. Many brands offer certified gluten-free oats that will work perfectly in this recipe. Just check the packaging to be sure!

If you have leftover Wee Granola, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for about two weeks. You can also use any leftovers as a topping for yogurt, smoothies, or even sprinkle it on pancakes for added crunch and flavor.

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips to your Wee Granola can give it a delightful twist. Just mix them in after baking when the granola is still warm, allowing them to melt slightly and incorporate into the mixture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Wee Granola is a versatile and healthy snack that truly stands out. Its customizable nature allows for endless variations and ensures that you can always make it your own. I encourage you to give it a try and delight in the homemade goodness that you can whip up in no time. It’s not just a treat; it’s a wholesome addition to your daily routine that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Wee Granola

Wee Granola

Craving something healthy and satisfying? Try Wee Granola! Made with wholesome ingredients, this crunchy granola is perfect for breakfast or a snack. Customize it with your favorite nuts and fruits for a delicious treat you can feel good about. Make it tonight!
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 52 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 1 cup
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Chef's Knife
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Baking Sheet

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Rolled Oats Make sure not to use the 1 minute oats.
  • 1/2 cup Sliced Almonds
  • 1/2 cup Cashews, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Sunflower Seeds
  • 1/2 cup Raisins and/or Currants
  • 1/4 cup Dried Cherries You could also use dried blueberries.
  • 2 tablespoons Wheat Germ
  • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup Honey
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable or Canola Oil
  • 1 cup Milk Whole, Rice, Soy, Almond or Low fat.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. This low temperature allows the granola to bake evenly without burning.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine Rolled Oats, Sliced Almonds, Chopped Cashews, Sunflower Seeds, Raisins, Dried Cherries, Wheat Germ, and Cinnamon. Stir the mixture together until well combined, making sure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the Honey and Vegetable or Canola Oil until smooth. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well until everything is coated. The oil and honey will bind the dry ingredients together.
  • Spread the granola mixture evenly onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure it’s in a single layer for even baking.
  • Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. During this time, the granola will start to turn golden brown and fragrant.
  • After 30 minutes, take the granola out and stir it gently. This helps to ensure that it cooks evenly. Spread it back out into an even layer.
  • Return the granola to the oven and bake for an additional 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. The longer it bakes, the crunchier it will become.
  • Once the granola is golden and crunchy, remove it from the oven. Let it cool on the cookie sheet. This cooling period allows the granola to harden and form clusters, which are fun for kids to break up.
  • Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container for storage. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can last up to two weeks!
  • To serve, place a generous portion of granola in a bowl and pour your choice of Milk over it. Enjoy it as a snack, breakfast, or even dessert!

Notes

  • Tip 1: Allowing the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet ensures it becomes crunchy. Stir it gently while it cools for the best texture.
  • Tip 2: Store the granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can last up to two weeks, but I doubt it will last that long!
  • Tip 3: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, and dried fruits based on your preferences or pantry ingredients.
  • Tip 4: Wee Granola can be enjoyed with milk, yogurt, or even sprinkled on top of oatmeal for added crunch.
Keyword easy granola, granola recipe, healthy snacks, Homemade Granola

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