There’s no greater link to my heart than good food (and shoes), and the smell of this freshly baked granola brought back the sweetest memories of my childhood. Warming spices of ginger and cinnamon were a reminder of the long days playing Cowboys & Indians with my Brother at my Grandparents house. Every holiday at theirs included late nights of playing card games, bedtime stories of great adventures in mysterious places, and a cheeky trip to Toys-R-Us, always. In-between this all, there was always a packet of McVities Ginger Nut biscuits in the cupboard waiting to be demolished - particularly enjoyed dipped into warm milk and then sucking all the soggy biscuit off.
So when they tell you food can’t bring you happiness, they’re lying. For me, this Ginger Nut Crunch Granola brings a heartwarming bowl of happiness to 7:00am in the morning.
This deliciously festive breakfast of completely oil-free and refined sugar-free, crunchy clusters of oats, nuts and dried fruits pack a punch of healthy fats and protein. Serve with sliced banana over yogurt, and a strong cup of coffee, always.
Ingredients
Serves about 10 (40g servings)
35g Chopped Pecans
20g Chopped Walnuts
25g Chopped Almonds
30g Whole Almonds
20g Dried Cranberries
25g Raisins
30g Chopped Dates
20g Goji Berries
15g Pumpkin Seeds
20g Sunflower Seeds
140g Oats
65g Pure Maple Syrup
1 Whole Banana Mashed
2 Tsp Ground Ginger
1 Tsp Cinnamon
1/2 Tsp Nutmeg
1/2 Tsp All Spice
(Originally I only used 1/2 a mashed banana, but I recommend using 1 whole if you prefer a sweeter granola)
Method
Preheat your oven to Gas Mark 5/190 Degrees Celcius and line a tray with baking paper.
In a bowl combine all your dry ingredients.
In a pan, warm your maple syrup, mashed banana and spices until all combined.
Pour your wet mixture over your dry ingredients and stir into a sticky dough.
Transfer into your baking tray and press firmly down with spoon to make sure everything is sticking together.
Bake for 30 + minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent it from burning.
Tip: To prevent dried fruits from burning or going too chewy, stir in after granola has baked!
Kay's Kitchen Playlist
This Christmas Unwrapped playlist on Spotify by House & Garden
