Granola is an absolute staple when it comes to pantry breakfasts essentials. You can use it to decorate your smoothie jar or bowls, enjoy some with yoghurt and berries, eat it like muesli or even sprinkle some on your muffins (banana date muffin recipe HERE) before they hit the oven. However, not all granolas are created equally or are the ‘healthy’ option when it comes to breakfast. Just because it says gluten free or natural doesn’t mean that it is healthy or clean. Unfortunately!!

But the perfect solution is to make your own granola!! It is literally a toss and mix sort of recipe and you should have most ingredients in your pantry already. You can make different flavours or add what ever you like depending on your taste buds. My favourite would have to be the maple and cinnamon granola. Of course with my mild (ok major) cinnamon addiction you can see why I love this one so much. Especially with xmas only around the corner its the perfect present to jar up and gift to loved ones and therefore I give you – THE CHRISTMAS SPICED GRANOLA!!! Jam packed with maple, cinnamon and apple. What’s not to love?

MAPLE, APPLE AND CINNAMON CHRISTMAS GRANOLA

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup mixed nuts – lightly chopped or crushed  

2/3 cup shredded coconut or coconut flakes

1/2 cup chia seeds

1/2 cup pepitas and sunflower seeds

1TBS cinnamon

1tsp nutmeg

2/3 cup pure maple syrup (you can use honey if preferred)

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup apple sauce

ADD THE FOLLOWING AFTER BAKING

1/2 cup currents or sultanas

2/3 cup chopped dates

1/2 cup goji berries (the red berries looks very festive)

 

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a LARGE bowl melt the coconut oil and add the maple, apple sauce and spices. In a separate bowl add all the oats, seeds, nuts and coconut and mix thoroughly – do not add the dried fruit as it will burn in the oven. Slowly pour the ‘wet’ mixture onto the oats and mix with your hands until well combined.

Spread the mixture evenly over 2 lined oven trays and place in the oven for 20-30 minutes. Give it a toss (with tongs) and place it back in the oven for another 20 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. When it looks nice and crunchy take out of the oven and leave to cool. Toss in the chopped dried fruit and simply jar up!! Store in the pantry in a sealed container or jar for up to 4 weeks.

K