🥣 Andy’s Fairfield Granola: A Delightful Crunchy Treat! 🌾
History:
Andy’s Fairfield Granola is a beloved granola recipe that has been passed down through generations, originating in Fairfield County, Connecticut. It all began as a homemade family recipe, created by a passionate cook named Andy in the early 20th century. Over the years, it gained popularity within the community and eventually made its way to breakfast tables far and wide, becoming a staple in many households.
Components:
This scrumptious granola is a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients. Here are the key components:
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Rolled Oats: The base of Andy’s Fairfield Granola is rolled oats, providing a hearty and nutritious foundation.
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Nuts and Seeds: A medley of nuts such as almonds, pecans, and seeds like sunflower and flaxseeds add a satisfying crunch and a dose of healthy fats.
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Dried Fruits: Sweetness and chewiness come from dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, and apricots, infusing the granola with fruity goodness.
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Sweeteners: To achieve that irresistible sweetness, a combination of honey and maple syrup is used. This not only sweetens but also binds the granola clusters together.
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Spices: A dash of cinnamon and a pinch of salt elevate the flavor profile, providing a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Preparation Steps:
Now, let’s dive into the steps to prepare this delectable granola:
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Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures even baking.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruits, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
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Prepare the Sweetener Mixture: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, heat a mixture of honey and maple syrup for about 30 seconds until it becomes thin and easy to pour.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the warm honey-maple syrup mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well until all the dry ingredients are coated evenly.
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Baking: Spread the mixture evenly on a lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the granola turns golden brown, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even baking.
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Cooling: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will become crispy and form clusters.
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Storage: Once cool, transfer the granola to an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for several weeks.
Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Andy’s Fairfield Granola is approximately 45-50 minutes, including preparation and baking time. It’s a wonderful and nutritious addition to your breakfast or a delightful snack throughout the day. Enjoy! 🥄🌰🍯
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Andy’s Fairfield Granola:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximately 1/2 cup):
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 5g
Health Information:
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Heart-Healthy Oats: Rolled oats are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
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Healthy Fats: The nuts and seeds in this granola provide healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for overall health.
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Dried Fruits: While dried fruits add natural sweetness, they also provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, they are calorie-dense, so portion control is key.
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Natural Sweeteners: Honey and maple syrup are used as sweeteners, which are more natural alternatives to refined sugars. However, it’s important to consume them in moderation due to their calorie content.
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Balanced Snacking: Andy’s Fairfield Granola can be a nutritious and satisfying snack or breakfast option when consumed in appropriate portions. It provides sustained energy due to the combination of carbohydrates, fats, and protein.
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Watch Portion Sizes: While granola is nutritious, it can be calorie-dense. Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excessive calorie intake.
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Customizable: You can customize this granola by adjusting the types and amounts of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to suit your dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
Remember, the nutritional values provided are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes. Always check packaging for precise nutritional information if needed. Enjoy your granola in moderation as part of a balanced diet! 🥄🌰🍯
