Confession: I made this granola back in November, but I was so busy with cookies, spiced nuts and holiday fare, I didn’t have time to post it until now. Besides, January seems an appropriate time for granola, don’t you think? I mean, you need something to put on your sugar-free, non-fat, plain yogurt — right??? So here it is – Maple Pecan Cinnamon Granola!
I made this granola the day after Emily returned to college after Thanksgiving Break. Why do I remember this so distinctly, you might ask… Well, after she’d driven the 4 hours back to Tampa and unloaded and unpacked the 3 months worth of dirty laundry which had miraculously been washed and folded over the course of the long weekend, Emily realized that she had left the charging cord for her laptop in her room. The charge on her computer might last 1-2 days without it. With papers, projects and tests looming, she was in crisis mode.
She called in a panic, asking me to PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE ship her the charger — “Can you overnight it??? ”
Seriously?
I told her I’d do what I could, shaking my head… deep breaths… and I went back to making the granola. Afterwards, when I was finished with the photos, I packed it into several jars — and since there was plenty, I also packed a jar for Emily and I stuck it in the box along with her charging cord and a few other items that she had mistakenly left behind. (Go figure!)
A few days later (2-day Priority Mail was cheaper than overnight), I got the call… “Thank you, Mom!!!!” She was happy to get her cord back, but absolutely over-the-moon to find a little care package of granola tucked into the box. She gushed about how thoughtful it was and how she was squirreling it away from her roommates… With that amount of enthusiasm, you would have thought I’d bought her a new computer!!!
Note to all Moms & Dads: Do Not Discount The Power Of A Care Package! You score major points — even if all you’re sending is granola!
More Homemade Granola Recipes:
- Naturally Sweetened Crunchy Granola
- Coconut Almond Granola Bars
- Crunchy Pistachio Date Granola
- Apple Walnut Spice Granola
- Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars
- Cherry Almond Granola Bars
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Maple Pecan Cinnamon Granola
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 ½ cups rolled oats not quick cooking or instant
- 1 cup pecans roughly chopped
- ½ cup sunflower seeds shelled
- ⅓ cup wheat germ
- ½ cup brown sugar firmly packed
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup canola oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- scant 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 300°. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl combine the oats, pecans, sunflower seeds and wheat germ, stir to combine.
- In a small saucepan, add the brown sugar, maple syrup, canola oil, cinnamon and salt. Heat over medium-medium high heat, stirring constantly until brown sugar dissolves (do not boil.) Pour the maple syrup mixture over the oats and stir until well coated.
- Divide the granola between the two sheet pans and spread into a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes, stir the granola, spread out into a single layer and bake for another 10 minutes, until golden and fragrant.
- Remove from the oven and cool for 1-2 minutes before adding the dried cranberries and tossing together. Cool to room temperature and transfer to airtight storage containers. Will keep for about a week to 10 days.
NUTRITION:
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I made your granola today! I have to travel 1hour to find a specialty store that carries decent granola. Since I love it in my yogurt, decided to make my own, and found your recipe! Lisa, it is delicious! And made so much! Thinking of adding coconut the next time. And there will be a next time! Thank you!
My older son loves granola and we use up so much of it. I really want to try making it at home as it is healthy and preservative free. I will definitely remember your words about the care package 🙂
Trust me, the kids love care packages — doesn’t matter what you send!
I love this for breakfast meal prep. Perfect for making your own yogurt granola jars!
Exactly! Enjoy!
I can have this granola basically everyday! Love all yummy ingredients:)
Thanks Ilona!
Granola is always better when it’s homemade! Yours looks like a winning recipe!
I know granola is simple but have never made it. Looks like a good one to start with!
Homemade granola is great because you can customize it to your tastes!
I could munch on this all day long! I love homemade granola!
This makes plenty!
It’s the little things in life that makes us happy. But the jar of delicious mom made granola was brimming with flavor!
I agree – the little things…
What a clever idea! A nice idea for a moving house hamper too. You always forget the little things! I love pulling together care packages with home made prezzies like this 🙂
I’ve never heard of a moving house hamper — that sounds cool!
This is some granola I can get on board with! I love your story telling, you should try a travel piece sometime 🙂
I’d have to travel…
This is the best and yummy way to begin the day!
oooo. this recipe looks so delicious! a keeper for sure.
Granola is my weakness, and I’m always looking for a new and wonderful flavor. I can’t wait to try this – and I love the idea of sending it in care packages. I have friends from back east having babies, and this would be great to send their way and help ease the transition! Love it!
Thank you Mackenzie — we’re granola fiends too! I think everyone loves a care package from a friend or relative!