Katies Granola Recipes

HEALTHY GRANOLA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt and cinnamon. Stir to blend.
• Pour in the oil, maple syrup and/or honey and vanilla. Mix well, until every oat and nut is lightly coated. Pour the granola onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer.
• Bake until lightly golden, about 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway (for extra-clumpy granola, press the stirred granola down with your spatula to create a more even layer). The granola will further crisp up as it cools.
• Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed (at least 45 minutes). Top with the dried fruit (and optional chocolate chips, if using). Break the granola into pieces with your hands if you want to retain big chunks, or stir it around with a spoon if you don't want extra-clumpy granola.
• Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. The dried fruit can freeze solid, so let it warm to room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

MAKE-AHEAD BREAKFAST GRANOLA COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Mix the peanut butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and eggs in a large bowl with a handheld mixer until smooth. Add the oats, cranberries and pepitas and mix until just combined. Use a 1/4-cup dry measuring cup or 1/4-cup ice cream scoop to scoop the dough onto the baking sheets, leaving at least 1 inch between scoops, making about 9 per tray. Flatten the scoops slightly with the back of a spoon. Bake until the cookies are starting to brown, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Let them sit on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes to let them set up a little bit. Serve warm, or let cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to a week. Also great for freezing and eating straight out of the freezer! Serve with Greek yogurt for slathering or dipping, if using.

BAKED BRIE TOPPED WITH SAVORY GRANOLA AND APPLES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the racks of the oven so that you can use two.
• Whisk together the paprika, cayenne, 1/4 cup oil, 2 tablespoons syrup and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. In another medium bowl, combine the oats, cashews, pepitas, walnuts and rosemary. Add the oil mixture to the oat mixture and stir to combine. Spread evenly in one layer on one of the lined baking sheets. Bake, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy, 25 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, add the Brie to the other lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
• Heat the remaining tablespoon oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the apples to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples start to soften and brown, about 3 minutes. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons maple syrup and 2 tablespoons water, then stir, reduce the heat to low and cover until ready to use. Season with salt.
• Remove the granola from the oven and stir in the dried fruit. Reserve 1 cup of the granola. Let the rest cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container (save this for another use).
• Transfer the Brie to a serving platter and top with the warm apples. Sprinkle on the cup of savory granola. Serve warm with crackers and crostini.

KATIE'S GRANOLA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325.
• Mix the syrup, honey, oil and vanilla essence. Melt in microwave or over stove on low heat.
• Mix all ingredients together well.
• Spread in baking tray and bake for 20 minutes. Stir and mix well. Put in for another 5 minutes. Watch carefully!
• Add diced fruit later, if desired.