Basic Everyday Granola and Fruity Chia Parfait

This is my basic recipe for granola. I make a batch every few weeks, with this basic recipe more or less and play around with different seasonal fruits, nuts and flavors.  It’s nice to have a jar of homemade granola handy, use it for a quick breakfast, snack or simply something healthy to nibble on between meals. Making homemade granola gives you full control of what goes into it: way less sugar, oils, zero artificial additives etc. This recipe is also a good way to clear out the pantry of those extra nuts you might have bought for holiday baking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Everyday Granola

Ingredients

• 3 cups rolled oats, gluten-free if needed
• 1 cup unsweetened dried fruit: dried apples, blueberries/ golden sultanas/ green raisins/ cranberries, goji berry
• 1- 1 1/2 cups raw nuts: use any combination of almonds, pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts,cashews,
• 1/2 cup seeds: use any combination of sesame, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds
• 2 tablespoons coconut flakes unsweetened
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup maple syrup or your local honey add more if you like it sweeter!
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Directions

• Preheat oven to 325 deg F (160 deg C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
• Combine the oats, nuts and seeds in a large mixing bowl.
• Combine the wet ingredients in a sauce pan: water, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sea salt.
• Slowly heat till everything is dissolved and well incorporated.
• Pour this solution over the oat-nuts mixture and toss to coat evenly.
• Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes until oats are slightly golden.
• Make sure to stir and flip the mixture gently about every 15 minutes to make sure it is evenly baked.
• Cool the granola completely. It will get crunchier as it cools. Mix the dried fruit and coconut flakes when completely cool. Store in an airtight container for a few weeks.
• Serve with plant milk and/ yogurt, seasonal fruits, berries.

Fruity Chia Parfait

• 1 cup plant milk
• 1 tablespoon coconut cream
• 4 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• Sweetners like maple syrup or honey if needed, (for me fruits were enough sweetness)
• mixed berries, banana, apple and pear slices, pomegranate arils, choose whats available and seasonal

Directions

• Combine the first 6 ingredients for chia parfait in a lidded jar or bowl.
• Stir or shake very well till seeds and liquid are fully incorporated. Best left refrigerated overnight or at least 4 hours.
• Chop and prepare fruits.
• To layer: Place a few spoons of granola at the bottom followed a few spoons of chia pudding and top with lots of fruits. Enjoy chilled for breakfast, snack or dessert.