Here come the holidays! And while I LOVE LOVE LOVE the holiday season with all of the joy and merriment that comes with it…holy crap, your wallet and bank account take a serious beating.
This year, given my maternity leave, I am *trying* to be more budget conscious (insert husband chuckle here). Instead of buying gifts for colleagues, friends and family this year – I thought I’d try my hand at some DIY gifts! I should mention, I am SO NOT a DIY-er…I mean who has the time?!? Well, apparently, this year – I do! Aside from a newborn and a toddler, I find myself with a bit more time on my hands to cook, bake and do “craft-y” things.
Among all of my adventures in DIY gifts was making my own holiday granola. I’m happy to report – SUCCESS! I combined a few recipes I found online to perfect my own version of holiday granola which included a combination of pecans and almonds, but I also added a bit of flax and coconut for some added nutritional benefit. YUM!
PS this recipe is vegan and gluten free (provided you use GF oats)
Here is the recipe. ENJOY!
Ingredients:
2.5 cups of GF rolled oats
¾ cup slivered almonds
½ cup chopped pecans
½ tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of salt
½ cup pure maple syrup
1 tbsp ground flax
¼ c shredded unsweetened coconut
¼ cup melted coconut oil
¼ tsp almond extract
1 tbsp vanilla extract
½ cup Thompson raisins
½ cup dried cranberries
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Toss oats, flax, pecans, almonds, cinnamon, coconut in large bowl and set aside
- Combine maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla and almond extract in medium bowl. Whisk together.
- Pour liquid mixture over dry mixture. Make sure oats are completely coated and moistened.
- Spread evenly onto baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Allow granola to cool completely once evenly browned.
- Add cranberries and raisins to mixture once cooled.
Usually makes about 3-4 cups.
It is so easy to make this granola ahead of time and store in airtight container for freshness for up to 3 weeks. I boxed my granola up into cute little holiday tins and little baggies for colleagues and friends. Delicious gift giving complete!
xo
Dr Aliya