Here was my idea of what to do with our days off.
Here was my hubby's idea. He's practical like that.
Unfortunately, I didn't win.
But between spreading wheelbarrow-full loads of mulch in our yard beds and taking in a viewing of The Hunger Games, I did manage to whip up a couple of batches of this tasty granola. It's on my "30 for 2012 Project" list, so I'm very glad to have gotten to it. I'm moving a little bit slow on my list!
This granola can be made in either the oven or the microwave. So I tested both. When there's an option like that, I like to know how both do. I'm curious like that.
Both methods worked just fine. The oven method gave a bit crisper-crunchier result, while the microwave method produced a bit softer-chewier granola. Microwave is definitely much faster. Either way, you use the same yummy ingredients ... but start just a tiny bit differently.
With the oven method, you start with melted butter and combine it with honey and vanilla ...
(that's our own honey, by the way ... isn't it gorgeous??)
... before adding the oats and other ingredients.
With the microwave method, you don't melt the butter. You just chop it into small pieces and combine it with everything else in a microwave-safe bowl.
The only caution I give with the cooking is to watch your granola closely with the oven method ... as you may end up with some "extra-crispy" pieces if you're not careful. See my "crispies" near the edges?? I wasn't watching closely enough toward the end of the baking time. Oops!
I like the result of each method equally well ... so I'll probably go with the microwave method in future batches, just for ease and the time factor. The best method for you? ... Just ask yourself ... "Crunchy or chewy?" And there you'll have it!
I invite you to follow The Kitchen is My Playground with Pinterest, Facebook, Google Friend Connect, Linky Followers, bloglovin', or Feedburner. Buttons are in the right sidebar. I'd love to have you back soon!
Traditional Granola
Source: My Mom
Ingredients
1/4 c. butter
1/2 c. honey
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/4 c. old-fashioned oats
1/4 c. wheat germ (optional)
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 c. coarsely chopped walnuts (or other nut of choice)
1/2 c. raisins or currants (I use currants)
Directions
Microwave Method:
Cut butter into small pieces. Combine all ingredients EXCEPT raisins/currants in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. Stir in raisins/currants. Spread onto a baking sheet to cool. Let cool completely. Store tightly covered.
Oven Method:
Melt butter in a large bowl. Add honey, vanilla, and cinnamon; stir to combine. Add oats; stir until oats are well coated with butter mixture. Add chopped nuts and stir to combine. Spread mixture onto a baking pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring about every 5 minutes. Remove from oven and stir in raisins/currants. Let cool completely. Store tightly covered.
Enjoy!
This post is linked with Share Your Creations hosted by Kristen's Creations, It's a Keeper Thursday hosted by It's a Keeper, Inspiration Friday hosted by At the Picket Fence, Foodie Friday hosted by Rattlebridge Farm, Weekend Bloggy Reading hosted by Serenity Now, Sweets for a Saturday hosted by Sweet as Sugar Cookies, Strut Your Stuff Saturday hosted by Six Sisters' Stuff, Scrumptious Sunday hosted by Addicted to Recipes, Sundae Scoop hosted by I {heart} Naptime, Think Pink Sunday hosted by Flamingo Toes, Crazy Sweet Tuesday hosted by Crazy for Crust, Tuesday Talent Show hosted by Chef in Training, What's New Wednesday hosted by Grateful Belly, Cast Party Wednesday hosted by Lady Behind the Curtain, Trick or Treat Tuesday hosted by BruCrew Life.
Here was my idea of what to do with our days off.
Here was my hubby's idea. He's practical like that.
Unfortunately, I didn't win.
But between spreading wheelbarrow-full loads of mulch in our yard beds and taking in a viewing of The Hunger Games, I did manage to whip up a couple of batches of this tasty granola. It's on my "30 for 2012 Project" list, so I'm very glad to have gotten to it. I'm moving a little bit slow on my list!
This granola can be made in either the oven or the microwave. So I tested both. When there's an option like that, I like to know how both do. I'm curious like that.
Both methods worked just fine. The oven method gave a bit crisper-crunchier result, while the microwave method produced a bit softer-chewier granola. Microwave is definitely much faster. Either way, you use the same yummy ingredients ... but start just a tiny bit differently.
With the oven method, you start with melted butter and combine it with honey and vanilla ...
(that's our own honey, by the way ... isn't it gorgeous??)
... before adding the oats and other ingredients.
With the microwave method, you don't melt the butter. You just chop it into small pieces and combine it with everything else in a microwave-safe bowl.
The only caution I give with the cooking is to watch your granola closely with the oven method ... as you may end up with some "extra-crispy" pieces if you're not careful. See my "crispies" near the edges?? I wasn't watching closely enough toward the end of the baking time. Oops!
I like the result of each method equally well ... so I'll probably go with the microwave method in future batches, just for ease and the time factor. The best method for you? ... Just ask yourself ... "Crunchy or chewy?" And there you'll have it!
I invite you to follow The Kitchen is My Playground with Pinterest, Facebook, Google Friend Connect, Linky Followers, bloglovin', or Feedburner. Buttons are in the right sidebar. I'd love to have you back soon!
Traditional Granola
Source: My Mom
Ingredients
1/4 c. butter
1/2 c. honey
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/4 c. old-fashioned oats
1/4 c. wheat germ (optional)
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 c. coarsely chopped walnuts (or other nut of choice)
1/2 c. raisins or currants (I use currants)
Directions
Microwave Method:
Cut butter into small pieces. Combine all ingredients EXCEPT raisins/currants in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. Stir in raisins/currants. Spread onto a baking sheet to cool. Let cool completely. Store tightly covered.
Oven Method:
Melt butter in a large bowl. Add honey, vanilla, and cinnamon; stir to combine. Add oats; stir until oats are well coated with butter mixture. Add chopped nuts and stir to combine. Spread mixture onto a baking pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring about every 5 minutes. Remove from oven and stir in raisins/currants. Let cool completely. Store tightly covered.
Enjoy!
This post is linked with Share Your Creations hosted by Kristen's Creations, It's a Keeper Thursday hosted by It's a Keeper, Inspiration Friday hosted by At the Picket Fence, Foodie Friday hosted by Rattlebridge Farm, Weekend Bloggy Reading hosted by Serenity Now, Sweets for a Saturday hosted by Sweet as Sugar Cookies, Strut Your Stuff Saturday hosted by Six Sisters' Stuff, Scrumptious Sunday hosted by Addicted to Recipes, Sundae Scoop hosted by I {heart} Naptime, Think Pink Sunday hosted by Flamingo Toes, Crazy Sweet Tuesday hosted by Crazy for Crust, Tuesday Talent Show hosted by Chef in Training, What's New Wednesday hosted by Grateful Belly, Cast Party Wednesday hosted by Lady Behind the Curtain, Trick or Treat Tuesday hosted by BruCrew Life.
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