Christmas Granola
Keep this simple granola on hand for cold winter mornings or healthy afternoon snacking during this busy time. While I created this recipe with the holidays in mind, my family has requested that I keep making it well into the new year. Maybe there is nothing wrong with starting the day with the joy of Christmas in any season! Feel free to experiment with different spices or mix-ins to make your own signature version.
Equipment
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 4 cups old fashioned oats
- ½ cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- ½ cup raw pecan halves
- ½ cup raw shelled pistachios,
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/3 cup avocado oil see NOTE
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sweetened dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine oats, pepitas, nuts, spices and salt in a large bowl. Stir together oil, maple syrup and vanilla and add to oat mixture, stirring until oats, nuts and seeds are evenly coated. Pour out mixture onto prepared baking sheet, spreading evenly. Bake in the center of the preheated oven until golden brown and toasted, 21 to 23 minutes, stirring halfway through baking.
- Remove pan to cooling grid and sprinkle granola with cranberries. Cool completely, then break up into pieces and store in an air-tight container.
- Makes 7 to 8 cups granola.
Notes
I like to use avocado oil for its many health benefits without contributing a strong flavor to the granola, but feel free to try out other cooking oils--olive, melted coconut or other vegetable if you prefer.