I found the most adorable blog today. I've been thinking of all the wonderful gifts I could give our Grandpa's if only that money tree in the back yard would produce...today I found a gift that I think any Grandpa would just love.
This idea is from http://conversationswithacupcake.blogspot.com
Hope you enjoy this idea as much as I did!
Grand Dad's Granola
Looking for a baked good that can be custom-created to your dear old dad's palate, yet still offer a tasty, healthful treat? This granola is quick, simple and supremely fun to play around with. I've offered several flavor options below, but truly the options are endless. Add whatever you think your papa would love, pop it all in a paint tin (those pictured were purchased from Jo-Ann), then pass it all onto him with a kiss and a hug. From your heart to his.
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GLAZE:
1/2 c. pure maple syrup
3/4 c. honey
1 tsp. molasses
1/4 c. granulated splenda or sugar
1/4 c. oil
In a large saucepan, combine above ingredients together and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil for 1 1/2 minutes, then remove from heat.
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ADD:
1 tsp. flavoring
Try vanilla, orange, butter, nut & butter, or cinnamon flavors.
I added almond flavoring and was afraid it would be overpowering.
Indeed, it was delicious.
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1-3 tsp. spices
Cinnamon, Cloves, Lemon or Orange Rind, Allspice, Ginger
Seeing as how my obsession with nutmeg rages on, I dabbed in 1 tsp of nutmeg & a pinch of cinnamon and didn't regret it at all.
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COMBINE:
Pour glaze slowly over a LARGE bowl filled with following mixed ingredients.
(While pouring the glaze, don't forget to stir obsessively to ensure even glazing.)
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13 oz. box of bran flakes or Wheaties
4 c. old-fashioned oats
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2 c. additional dry ingredients
Add in wheat germ or flax, chopped walnuts, pecans, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds or pepitas.
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PLUS:
2 c. additional sweet ingredients (optional)
I've recently rediscovered the joy of chopped dates. In the oven, they melt and combine with the granola to create lovely sweet bunches. Consider adding dried banana's, mangoe's or pineapple. If you would like to add dried cranberries, blueberries, or golden raisins, don't include them in the mix. Just toss them in when the granola is pulled from the oven to keep them from hardening.
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COOK:
Spread coated granola mixture evenly across two cookie sheets. In an oven preheated to 225 degrees for 50 minutes. Stir every 10-15 minutes to make sure granola is evenly cooked. Just before removing from oven, turn heat up to 300 degrees and allow to cook for 5-7 minutes, or until mixture sizzles (but keep your sniffer on. You don't want it to burn). Remove from heat, allow to cool before sealing in bags. Stores up to 2 weeks.
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