Description
This Crunchy Almond Granola, originally featured by the California Almond Growers Association in “Real Simple” magazine, is a delightful breakfast treat that perfectly marries the rich flavors of almonds, cinnamon, and sesame seeds. With its combination of crispy oats and chewy dried fruit, it’s a healthy and flavorful way to start your day. 🥣🌰🍇
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup whole almonds
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an essential step to ensure that your granola bakes evenly and gets that perfect crunch. 🔥
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Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly coat a baking sheet with vegetable oil or non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the granola from sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. 🧴
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Mix Ingredients: In a heavy 3-quart saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, sesame oil (or vegetable oil), ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved. This process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. 🍯
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Combine Oats and Sesame Seeds: Once the sugar mixture is smooth and well combined, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the oats and sesame seeds, ensuring that they are evenly coated with the syrup mixture. This step is crucial for achieving that satisfying crunch in your granola. 🥄
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Spread and Bake: Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, take the sheet out of the oven and stir the granola to ensure even baking. Sprinkle the whole and sliced almonds on top, then return the sheet to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the almonds are golden brown and the granola is crisp. 🕒
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Cool and Mix: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, transfer the granola to a large bowl. Mix in the dried cranberries and raisins. This step adds a touch of natural sweetness and chewiness, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the granola. 🥣
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Store: Store the granola in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Enjoy it as a topping for yogurt, a cereal alternative, or a crunchy snack on its own! 🌟
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 227.9
- Fat: 10.2g
- Saturated Fat: 1.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 4.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 30.6g
- Fiber: 4.1g
- Sugar: 14.3g
- Protein: 6.4g
Servings
This recipe yields approximately 9 servings, making it perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week. Each serving offers a satisfying crunch and a wholesome boost to your morning routine. 🍽️
This Crunchy Almond Granola is not just a tasty treat but also a nutritious start to your day, combining the natural goodness of almonds and the rich flavor of cinnamon with the satisfying crunch of oats and sesame seeds. It’s a perfect addition to any breakfast table or a great snack for any time of day. Enjoy the delicious crunch and nutty flavor that make this granola a staple in your kitchen! 🌟🥄