This vanilla-scented granola was one of the treats I made to include in my Christmas packages this year, and while granola doesn’t generally excite me all that much, I really enjoyed this one quite a bit. I even kept a bag for myself and have been eating it with Greek yogurt for breakfast many mornings. All of the vanilla extract gives it a nice floral sweetness and texturally it has just the right amount of crunch. Like all granolas, it’s highly adaptable too – you could easily substitute your favorite nut or dried fruit. I think my next batch might include coconut flakes as well, so definitely feel free to make it your own.
By Tracey
Vanilla-Scented Granola
adapted from Bon Appetit
Ingredients:
- 4 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine the oats, pecans, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon in a large heatproof bowl. Add the oil, honey, and granulated sugar to a small saucepan. Set over medium heat and bring to a simmer then turn off the heat and mix in the vanilla extract. Pour the hot oil mixture over the oat mixture and use a rubber spatula to mix until the ingredients are well combined.
Spread the granola on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown, stirring occasionally. Let the granola cool then add the dried cranberries and stir to incorporate. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Makes about 8 cups.
