Annabel’s Homemade Granola

🌾🥣🍯 Annabel’s Homemade Granola 🍯🥣🌾

What is it?
Annabel’s Homemade Granola is a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack option made from a mixture of rolled oats, nuts, seeds, honey, and other flavorful ingredients. It’s typically baked until golden brown and crispy, resulting in a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

History:
Granola has a fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century. It was initially developed as a health food in the United States. Dr. James Caleb Jackson, a physician and dietary reformer, invented a cereal called “Granula” in the 1860s. Later, John Harvey Kellogg (yes, the Kellogg of cereal fame) created a similar cereal and called it “Granola.” These early versions were often dense and required soaking to make them edible.

The granola we know today, with its crunchy clusters and various flavorings, gained popularity during the 1960s and 1970s when the health food movement took off. Since then, it has become a beloved staple in many households.

Components:
Annabel’s Homemade Granola typically includes the following components:

• Rolled Oats: The base ingredient that provides the hearty texture.
• Nuts: Common choices include almonds, walnuts, or pecans, adding a satisfying crunch and healthy fats.
• Seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds are popular options for added nutrition.
• Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup is used to sweeten and bind the ingredients together.
• Oil: A small amount of vegetable or coconut oil helps achieve that irresistible crispiness.
• Flavorings: Cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt enhance the flavor profile.
• Dried Fruits: Optional additions like dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots provide sweetness and chewiness.

Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Annabel’s Homemade Granola:

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped nuts, 1/2 cup of seeds, and any desired flavorings (1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla extract, a pinch of salt).

3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, mix 1/2 cup of honey (or maple syrup) and 1/4 cup of oil. Heat this mixture gently until it’s easy to stir, but not boiling.

4. Combine and Coat: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated.

5. Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring once or twice to ensure even browning.

7. Add Dried Fruits: Remove from the oven and let it cool. Once cooled, add your choice of dried fruits.

8. Store: Store your homemade granola in an airtight container. It can stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Time Needed:

• Preparation: 10-15 minutes
• Baking: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling: 15-20 minutes

In total, you can have your homemade granola ready in approximately 50-65 minutes, including preparation, baking, and cooling time.

🌞 Enjoy your homemade granola for breakfast, as a topping for yogurt, or as a tasty snack any time of the day! 🌞

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Annabel’s Homemade Granola:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1/2 cup, approximately 60g):

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 10mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 6g
• Vitamin D: 0%
• Calcium: 2%
• Iron: 10%
• Potassium: 6%

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calories: A serving of homemade granola provides around 250 calories, making it a reasonable option for a meal or snack.

2. Healthy Fats: The majority of fats in granola come from nuts and seeds, which are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

3. Low in Cholesterol and Sodium: Homemade granola typically contains little to no cholesterol and is low in sodium, making it heart-friendly.

4. Fiber-Rich: With 4g of dietary fiber per serving, granola can aid in digestion and help you feel full.

5. Protein Source: Granola also offers 6g of protein per serving, making it a satisfying choice to keep you fueled.

6. Vitamins and Minerals: While not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, granola does provide a small amount of iron and calcium.

7. Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, as it’s easy to overeat granola due to its delicious taste. Adding it to yogurt or milk can help control serving sizes.

8. Added Sugars: Keep an eye on added sugars, especially if you use sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Consider using them in moderation or opting for lower-sugar alternatives.

9. Customization: You can make granola healthier by adding more nuts, seeds, and whole grains while reducing added sugars.

10. Versatility: Homemade granola can be a versatile addition to your diet. Pair it with Greek yogurt and fresh fruits for a balanced breakfast or snack.

Remember that the nutritional content can vary depending on the specific ingredients and proportions used in your homemade granola recipe. Adjusting the recipe to suit your dietary preferences and nutritional goals is always an option.