If I were the cookie monster, I’d stash a lot more than Oreos and Mint Milanos and double chocolate chip cookies in my tin trashcan. I’d hide brownies, cupcakes, nutella, Reese’s minis, Godiva dark chocolate truffles, and… Granola. Yes, granola. And not just for a healthier option!
I’m addicted to granola. I first munched on it back in high school, and over the years, I bounced around between Trader Joe’s, Cascadia Farms, and my own cinnamon blend. But one morning as I poured my daily breakfast bowl, I ran out. No more crumbs, no more hidden boxes, nothing.
My brain raced into overdrive. Safeway! Safeway was across the street. Maybe they carried an edible substitute… I scoured their cereal aisle and finally discovered a bag of raspberry almond clusters. Generally not a fan of nuts in my granola, I decided that something was better than nothing and hurried home.
And I fell in love with that one. Subtly sweet with a nice tang from the freeze-dried raspberries, it called to me every time I walked into the kitchen, “Pick me! Eat me! Take another bite!” until that fateful day where Safeway sold the last bag to somebody else…
So I read the ingredients list, turned on my oven, and baked my own batch. Other than the missing raspberries, my version tastes even better than the original… And unless the grocery store runs out of oats or rice krispies, I may even let you sneak a taste out of the stash in my cookie monster trashcan!
This tastes delicious with milk, in yogurt, or eaten plain as a snack! Add in raisins or freeze-dried fruit for a different complementary texture.
- Preheat the oven to 325°, and lightly coat a 9x9” baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the oats and rice krispies.
- In a small pot, add the remaining ingredients. Cook over medium-low heat until the sugar mixture begins to boil, stirring frequently. Continue stirring for another 2-3 min. Pour the sugar syrup into the cereal, and toss with a spatula to until thoroughly mixed. Spread into the prepared pan and bake at 325° for 30-40 min, stirring to break up the pieces every 10 min, or until the granola reaches the desired crunchiness. Cool in the pan for 5 min before breaking any remaining large clumps with your fingers.
Not what I expected from an article curious about my trash can. This sounds like a recipe I want to try. Light on the sugar too.
I just couldn’t resist the cookie monster connotation… I hope you enjoy the granola!
Granola is such a classic food, how can you not love it!! I particularly love it on top of a smoothie!
I agree! I just made another batch and it’s already over halfway gone… I like to mix it into yogurt too for a bit of a sweet crunch!
Hmmm I’ve never seen rice krispies in a granola recipe before- I will have to try it next time!
I was surprised at how many granola boxes at the grocery store listed “crisp rice” as an ingredient too! It gives it a really nice crunch without overpowering the oat flavor. Hope you enjoy it!
OK, you’ve convinced me. I’m finally going to try making my own granola. Looks good!
Thanks! I really hope you enjoy your homemade granola. It’s such a low-maintenance food: just pop it in the oven and stir every once in a while! And it makes my house smell delicious; it can’t get much better than that.
I make my own granola bars (essentially a similar recipe, with whatever dried fruit/nuts I have on hand plus an egg to hold it all together and, on occasion, protein powder). They are delicious and super-easy to make. Will have to re-work my recipe to be just straight granola. Love that you cut down on sugar for the recipe!
I used to eat granola bars every day! Thanks; I try to be healthy whenever I can… It’s easier with granola and breakfast foods but definitely much harder for desserts!
I know this recipe was posted years ago, but I just recently found it. It’s the best granola ever. I’ve tried several recipes looking for lighter versions of the stuff I bought in the grocery store, but most turned out chewy, not crunchy even after baking until golden. This recipe is amazing. I absolutely love it! Thanks for sharing.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the granola Micki! Your kind comment means a lot to me! 🙂
I still get your recipe updates in my news feed, and I was feeling inspired a couple of week ago (okay, inspired to procrastinate my work) and I decided I would make q few of your recipes! This granola recipe has been perfect with my strawberry honey yogurt in the morning! And as part of my exploratory baking, I tried your Chocolate Fig Squares. They’ve been a hit at my office! So much so that my co-workers have asked for your website and I happily noted it for them!
Hope you’re well!
-Gabby
You’re so sweet Gabby — thank you!! I’m really glad you enjoyed both recipes, and I’m touched that you shared them with your coworkers, too. 🙂 Are you still up near the Capitol?? I miss you and would love to catch up sometime! ♥