I love granola and if there is something I can eat for like a whole week without any complaint whatsoever, it would have to be granola.
There is a problem though - I'm based in the Philippines.
Oh and I know how common place granola is in anglo countries but in this part of the world, it is easier to find Cerberus - that dog from hades - than it is to find some freakin granola!
You know what I mean?
Anyway that situation changed a bit in recent years and these days, some big name stores have commercial granola. Still, it isn't like the variety you'll see in an average American or Australian grocery store.
I often find myself combing the city (I'm in the capital, mind you) just to get the kinds I like because although SM supermarket sell granola these days, they only carry 1 brand. 1 brand!!!
It is either that or they cost a fortune!
It is either that or they cost a fortune!
What's a girl to do right?
Well, I simply told myself that it is high time to give making my own granola a try. I don't have anything to lose but have lots to gain.
Who am I kidding? Getting the ingredients together was a pain. For real!
I had to visit 3 supermarkets (SM North Edsa Hypermarket, Trinoma Landmark Supermarket, and Waltermart North Edsa Supermarket) but in the end, it was all worth it.
The granola came out perfect for me and now, I can have granola to my heart's content and customise it the way I want to. Yey!
Homemade Granola With Chocolate and Nuts
Get all your ingredients ready and preheat the oven to 180C. See the supplies list for the quantities of each ingredient.
In a bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, and wheatgerm/bran.
Pour in the honey.
Mix everything well since this will be the base of your granola bar.
Add in the almonds, cashews, mini chocolate chips, and raisins. Mix.
Prepare your baking tray or pan by lining it with wax paper so the granola would be easy to take out later.
Pour the granola mix into the prepared baking tray.
Pack firmly and bake in a preheated oven for 12-15 minutes on the middle rack so it won't burn.
12 Minutes will be a softer chewier version and 15 minutes in the oven will give a crunchier version. I love crunchy so I baked it a bit longer. If you want squares or rectangles, you have to cut it while still warm or do it like I did and just break off pieces for a more rustic look.
Doesn't it look so yummy? It's a great breakfast or snack on the go. Full of fibre and protein so it would be great as a pre-workout or post workout snack as well. Keep in a tightly sealed container and can be freezed too. Enjoy!
Here's the easy to print version:
Here's the easy to print version:
Chewy Homemade Granola with Chocolates and Nuts
Ingredients:
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup whole almonds
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup wheatgerm (or use sunflower seeds)
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup cashews
Procedure:
Get all your ingredients ready and preheat the oven to 180C. See the ingredients list for the quantities of each ingredient. In a bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, and wheatgerm/bran. Once mixed, pour in the honey. Mix everything well since this will be the base of your granola bar. Add in the almonds, cashews, mini chocolate chips, and raisins. Mix. Pour the granola mix into the prepared baking tray.Pack firmly and bake in a preheated oven for 12-15 minutes on the middle rack so it won't burn.
