Down to Earth Granola

My Go-To Granola Recipe: Simple, Delicious, and Makes a Mountain!

As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both easy to make and loved by my family. This granola recipe fits the bill perfectly. It's so simple, even my kids can help (with supervision, of course!), and the result is a crunchy, delicious treat that disappears in a flash. I've been making this for years, and it's become a staple in our home, often finding its way into gift bags for friends and family too.

The original recipe came from a Better Homes and Gardens magazine, I believe from April 2002. But I've since adapted it to make a much larger batch. Don't be intimidated by the quantity; it stores beautifully and makes it perfect for sharing or having on hand for busy mornings. I promise, it won't go to waste! You'll be surprised how quickly a big batch disappears. Between breakfasts, snacks, and those unexpected moments when you need a little energy boost, this granola is a lifesaver.

What I love about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Pecans would be delicious, or maybe some sunflower seeds for extra crunch. Instead of raisins and cranberries, try chopped apricots or even some dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist. The possibilities are endless!

Beyond breakfast, this granola finds its way into our daily lives in countless ways. It's a perfect addition to yogurt parfaits, a satisfying topping for ice cream, or even a crunchy element in homemade trail mix. I also like to add it to smoothies for a little extra texture and sweetness. It’s become more than just a granola; it’s a versatile ingredient in our kitchen.

The best part? The process is incredibly straightforward. The ingredients are simple and readily available, and the baking time, while lengthy, is mostly hands-off. You basically mix everything together, spread it out on a pan, bake it, stir it occasionally, and let it cool. Then, the rewarding part: the delightful aroma of warm, nutty, and sweetly spiced granola fills your kitchen. It’s a sensory experience that makes the entire process feel worthwhile.

Making this granola in a large batch also means less time spent in the kitchen over the long run. One big batch lasts for weeks, reducing the frequency of baking and freeing up my time for other things—things like family time, work projects, or simply relaxing with a good book. This efficiency is a huge advantage for me, a busy mom juggling many responsibilities.

So, if you're looking for a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make granola recipe, look no further. This recipe is a true family favorite, and I'm confident it will become one of yours, too. The abundance it provides makes it ideal for sharing, gifting, and always having a healthy, satisfying snack readily available.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear your variations and how you incorporate this delightful granola into your life.

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a bowl mix the oats, almonds, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. In a saucepan warm the oil and honey. Whisk or stir in vanilla. Carefully pour liquid over oat mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
• Spread granola in a 15x10x1 baking pan. Bake 40 minutes, stirring carefully every 10 minutes. (Since I tripled this recipe it may take longer. I just keep baking and stirring until it is all a nice golden brown) Allow to cool on the pan. Stir in raisins or dried cranberries. Seal granola in an airtight container or bag. Store at room temperature for one week or in freezer for 3 months.