I love making granola. I also love eating it. Honestly, it might be better called crack because it’s so frighteningly addicting. I’ve made an un-countable number of batches over past eight or so years. No two batches have been the same. I have a method to the madness, and I’ve fine-tuned the recipe and ratios over times, but granola is a blank canvas and hard to ruin with newly added ingredients and flavors.

Not only is granola delicious, easy to make, and important to always have around – it’s one of my favorite gifts to give. It’s an easy, individually inspired, and thoughtful way to show gratitude to people in your life.

I try to write in my bullet journal, send texts, write cards, to show my gratitude and remind myself of all the things in my life I’m grateful for, but my favorite, most fulfilling, way to express gratitude is through food – to others and to myself. To others, granola is the perfect medium to do so. It’s customizable person to person and close to universally enjoyed. I can’t remember meeting someone who doesn’t like granola, but maybe they’re just not telling me! I’ll have to find something else to make them then!

For birthdays, thank you’s, congratulations, celebrations, or just for fun – granola is my go-to. Mostly because if I make it for myself it’ll last mere days in my apartment (I’m telling you, it’s crack). Each batch is a bit of a puzzle because I try to come up with new combinations to individualize it to the recipient based on what I know they like – or would be willing to try. It’s a gift for me and them both because of how much I enjoy the process and for the leftovers I can’t fit in the jar!

Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite granola recipes. It’s the same basic recipe, so feel free to take it any flavor direction and with any ingredients you crave! I’m always on the hunt for the next great combo, so keep me posted!

Cashew Coconut Granola

Ingredients
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup cashew pieces
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup water

Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl combine oats, cashews, coconut, cinnamon, salt and set aside. In another bowl, mix melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and water. Whisk liquid mixture with a fork. Add liquids to the medium bowl. Mix together and make sure oat mixture and liquids are combined thoroughly. Spread the granola on the baking sheet. Press down so the granola is stuck together in one layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes, rotating often. Let cool and break into clusters.

Enjoy!

close up on the crack

Chocolate Hazelnut Granola

Ingredients
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup hazelnuts, crushed
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup water

Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine oats, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and salt. In this recipe, it’s very important to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly, so the cocoa powder does not clump when you add the wet ingredients. In another bowl, mix the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and water. Whisk liquid mixture with a fork. Add liquids to the medium bowl. Mix together and make sure oat mixture and liquids are combined thoroughly. Spread the granola on the baking sheet. Press down so the granola is stuck together in one layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes, rotating often. Let cool and break into clusters.

Enjoy!

I’m sure I’ll have another (few) granola posts & recipes to share on here! There’s always more granola and gratitude to go around.

With empowerment, Natasha