‘In Char’s Kitchen Quarantine Edition’ Episode #1: Char’s Clustery Spiced Granola with Banana Chips and Coconut
Take a bag of oats to new heights – you’ll never buy store bought granola again! You’re welcome!!
Char’s Clustery Spiced Granola with Banana Chips and Coconut
A delicious and nutritious homemade breakfast ~ perfect excuse to use up all those pantry staple ingredients.
Note: you can easily halve this recipe as I often do. Why? Because it’s so darn good that I tend to eat it all in one sitting…..the more I make, the more I eat…..hahaha!!
4 cups (1 L) large flake rolled oats
⅔ cup (150 mL) nuts (*I use peanuts but you can use: almonds, pecans or cashews)
⅔ cup (150 mL) pumpkin seeds (*or shelled sunflower seeds *or 1/3 cup (75 mL) of each)
½ tsp (2 mL) salt
2 tsp (10 mL) ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) ground ginger
¼ tsp (1 mL) ground nutmeg and ground cardamom (*optional)
pinch cloves
⅔ cup (150 mL) melted coconut oil (*or vegetable oil)
½ cup (125 mL) Muskoka Maple Syrup (*or honey)
1 tbsp (15 mL) pure vanilla extract
Garnish:
1 cup (250 mL) roughly crushed banana chips (*I use my hand to crush them)
1/2 cup (125 mL) toasted organic coconut flakes (*I purchase the extra large pieces (about 1-inch pieces) from bulk food store
3 tbsp (45 mL) Char’s Magic Seed Mix (ground flax, chia seeds and hemp seeds)
Other add-ins: 1 cup (250 mL) chopped pitted dates (*or dried cranberries, dried cherries, dried blueberries or sliced dried apricots)
Pre-heat oven to 350 F (180 C). Stir together all ingredients (except for garnishes) until well combined. Place mixture on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or between two smaller baking sheets). Press mixture down into a large rectangle ‘cookie’ (approx ¼ inch thick). Place in centre of pre-heated oven and bake for approx 12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for about 5 minutes. Using a thin spatula flip granola (*you will likely have to flip in sections). Using your hands press granola back to reform ‘cookie’. Bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes (approx) or until granola is lightly golden. Remove from oven and cool completely on baking sheet. **TIP: For a super clustery granola ~ let granola sit on baking sheet for at least 2 hours (ideally overnight) before touching it** Once granola has set – break into clusters. Add dried fruit and Char’s Magic Seed Mix. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks (but it won’t last that long!!). Makes approx 8 cups (2 L).
Charmaine is the host of “In Char’s Kitchen” on YourTV Muskoka and regular guest on: Rogers Daytime Ottawa, CTV Morning Live Ottawa, CHCH Morning Live, Breakfast Television , What She Said Radio sharing her love and enthusiasm for all things food, cooking and fitness.
Most importantly; Charmaine is the mother of two active boys; Tyler & Colgan.
Charmaine understands the importance of preparing healthy, wholesome dishes all while keeping budget and time in mind.
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