0 Gorgeous granola

Granola is so expensive in the shops and the ingredients in it some seems to be of variable quality too, I have often hunted for the solitary pecan nut in maple, pecan granola !

So I decided I would have a go at making my own and wow can you taste the difference, plus you are in control of the ingredients in your mix, so you can ensure it has more of the things you like in it (in my case maple syrup and cinnamon) and less of the things you don't (in my case gluten, some commercially produced brands contain wheat flour to bind the ingredients). It also works out much more economical too as a box of quality granola often retails for more than £2.50 and this mix makes probably twice as much than in contained in a box.

So if you are on a health kick for the new year why not start by making your own granola, its healthy and very very tasty.

What you need

• 3 cups oats (check gluten free if necessary)
• 1 cup of chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, etc)
• 1 cup of seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, chia, flax, etc)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp cardamon
• 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cups of maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup of dried fruit chopped (any you like)

What you do

• Pre heat the oven to 180c
• Mix the oats, spices, salt, maple syrup and seeds and coconut oil in a large bowl.
• Tip onto 2 large baking trays and level off gently, bake for 15 minutes or so and then turn the oats over.
• Bake for another 15 minutes or so until golden and the mixture is drying out and turning crispy (do not burn)
• Mix the warm oats with the chopped nuts and dried fruit in a large bowl and then empty back on to the trays to cool.
• Store in an airtight jar once fully cool.
• Serve with yogurt or fruit, delicious .....

I am linking up to Credit Crunch Munch for this frugal yet wonderful granola recipe hosted over at Fuss Free Flavours and co hosted by Camilla at Fab Food for all.

                         

Detail: Gorgeous granola

0 Oaty Date slices

These oaty date slices are perfect with a brew after returning from the frantic streets packed with Christmas shoppers, it a satisfying bake and fairly healthy due to the wholesome filling and the fact that it contains oats. Once baked it keeps well in an airtight tin and ideal served as part of a packed lunch or as suggested with tea or coffee.

What you need

• 200g plain flour
• 200g rolled oats
• 75g granulated sugar
• 150g melted butter or vegetable margarine (if you wish to make vegan)
• 250g stoned dates, roughly chopped
• 100ml apple juice
• Generous splash of lemon juice

What you do

• Oil spray an oblong tin approx 4" by 10" 
• Pre heat the oven to 180c
• Mix the oats, flour, sugar and melted butter in a large bowl to make a soft crumbly dough, if needed add a few drops of water to help bind
• Press half of the oat /flour mixture into the prepared tin
• To make the filling , cook the chopped dates in the apple juice and lemon juice in a small pan until you have a sticky soft filling
• Allow the filling to cool slightly then spread the filling on the base
• Top off the filling with the rest of the dough, press down firmly
• Bake for 25-30 minutes
• Remove from the oven when slightly golden and cool fully in the tin before cutting into generous slices.

Detail: Oaty Date slices

0 Bakewell Oaty slice

There is nothing better on a decidedly autumnal day than a tray-bake, this bake is inspired by the iconic Bakewell Tart / pudding which originates from Bakewell in Derbyshire. The flavours do not disappoint and the bake has proved popular with friends. The bake stores fine for a couple of days in an airtight tin.

What you need

• 200g rolled oats
• 60g plain flour
• 100g ground almonds
• pinch of sea salt
• 175g unsalted butter
• Almond extract - good slug
• 2 tbsp golden syrup
• 3 tbsp jam (ideally strawberry or raspberry)
• flaked almonds
• Oil spray for greasing tin
• 2" deep baking tray / tin about 10 inches long by 5 inch wide

What you need to do

• Oil spray your baking tin, lightly, set to one side
• Pre heat your oven to 170c
• Melt the butter and syrup in a pan, gently, once melted remove from heat and add the almond extract
• Mix in a large bowl the oats, flour and almonds and the pinch of salt
• Stir in the melted butter mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until all the mix is slightly moist
• Spoon half of the mix into the tin and press firmly down into the pan with a fork, getting into all corners and producing an even layer.
• Now tip in the jam and squish it across the base but keep away from the edges as the jam will spread as it cooks
• Now use the rest of the oaty mixture to top off the jam, using a fork to press down firmly to create an even top, sprinkle with flaked almonds if using
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden, be careful not to overcook as when dry they don't hold together well.
• Cool in the tin fully and then chop into pieces as desired.

I am taking part in Tea Time Treats hosted this month by Lavender and Lovage , who's theme this month is Flapjacks, oats and traybakes.

Detail: Bakewell Oaty slice