Weekends, in my opinion, are best spent making granola and reading old books.  This past weekend I did just that.  I woke up a little later than usual, drank my daily dose of chai and began chopping almonds.  This granola was created to make servings of unsweetened greek yogurt a bit more exciting.  It’s not overly sweet which makes me love it even more.  Granola is also extremely simple to make so you don’t have to work too hard on your day off.  Let’s get started!  

And our lineup includes; almonds, dried blueberries, dried cranberries, dark chocolate (I like 72% but you can use whatever you prefer), dried coconut, oats, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), kosher salt, honey, and molasses. 

Let’s talk about oats for a minute.  I have always had a hard time with oats, I love their flavor, I hate their texture.  I’m trying to get past this though, so in this recipe I used “quick cooking”oats because I don’t find the texture as difficult to get past; baby steps.  You can use which ever you like, in fact this whole recipe is very easy to customize.  If you don’t like dried blueberries, try subbing dried cherries.  Do whatever you want, granola is no-stress kind of baking.  

In a large bowl combine honey and molasses and heat in microwave for thirty seconds, this will make it easier to mix with all our dry ingredients.  Add oats, pepitas, almonds, blueberries, chocolate, cranberries, coconut and salt to molasses and honey mixture.  

Mix thoroughly until everything is well coated and totally sticky.  You can use a spoon or spatula but granola is one of those things best mixed with your very own hands.  Relax, it’s okay to get a little messy.  

Spread granola onto a non-stick baking sheet, don’t press it down.  Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, stirring every 3-5 minutes.  

Allow to cool for at least one hour before storing in airtight containment.  Enjoy! 

Recipe:  Weekend Granola

• 4 cups oats 
• 2 cups pepitas
• 1 1/2 cups raw almonds (roughly chopped)
• 3/4 cup dried blueberries
• 4oz dark chocolate (roughly chopped)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries 
• 1/2 cup dried coconut 
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup molasses 
• 1 1/2 cups honey

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In a large bowl combine honey and molasses and heat in microwave for thirty seconds.  Add oats, pepitas, almonds, blueberries, chocolate, cranberries, coconut and salt to molasses and honey mixture.  Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.  Spread granola onto a non-stick baking sheet.  Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, stirring every 3-5 minutes.  Allow to cool for at least one hour before storing in airtight containment.  Enjoy!  

Sincerely, 

Pedantic Foodie