Granola

Ok, ok! Here's my granola recipe. So many people have asked for this, that I can no longer keep the secret recipe a secret.

This is something that gets made in the Breathe Kitchen every week.

Back in the days when we had teenage boys living in the house we got through SOOO many packs of cereal. They would have two or three bowls full pretty much every day, never missing the 11pm ritual of  cocoa pops over a game of DC. 

When we moved to Wales, leaving our two growing lads to fend for themselves, I started making this granola for our friends and guests who came to stay. We still bought lots of cereals too, as we had always done. But they just were going stale in the cupboard as people were going for the granola every time. 

So nowadays we have to wait for the boys to come and visit so that can eat up all the cereals.

Which they are happy to do.

Trouble is, they love the granola too! 

Working round the clock to keep up with the demand these days!

So here is the not particularly specific recipe guide.

Pre heat oven at 180 c /gas 5

I make different flavour granola a, but the basic mix is ...

Fill a big bowl with 4 big mugs full of jumbo oats ( can use regular rolled oats though)

Stir through 3 tablespoons-ish of olive oil and 2tablespoons honey.

It should make a few clumpy lumps, which is good. But don't worry if it doesn't. 

Add nuts and seeds at this stage if you like. (Walnuts, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds etc.)

Although Phil gets grumpy if I add nuts. 

He says the only nuts he likes are donuts, and me! (I think there's a compliment in there somewhere)

Then add your flavours;

1tbs cinnamon or ginger

Or 2 tsp vanilla essence

A pinch of ground cloves makes it taste like Christmas.

Spread this little lot evenly onto baking sheets lined with grease proof paper.

Toast in the oven for about 10-12mins, giving a little mix half way through.

Meanwhile, back in the big bowl, combine whatever takes your fancy in the way of dried fruits.

I use a selection from sultanas/raisins, figs, dates, apricots, dried apple, dried banana, dried raspberries, cranberries, goji berries .....

 GO WHERE YOUR TASTEBUDS LEAD YOU

Tip the toasted oats straight into the fruit and mix it all up. (Don't leave the oats cooling on the tray, or they set like flapjacks!)

Nibble a little bowlful while it is still warm, then fill up a couple of storage jars or a Tupperware box.

Have it for brekky with yougurt or milk,

Sprinkle over porridge,

Layer it up in a glass with fruit compote and Creme fraiche for a yummy instant pud,

Or eat a bowlful at 11pm over a game of DC with my boys.