Screwing up sucks...
But it's totally ok! It's a fantastic and necessary opportunity to learn from your mistakes. Whether it's leaving your roast in the oven too long so it resembles the texture of sawdust, carefully sprinkling salt to taste when an avalanche decides to dislodge from the container rendering your entire meal inedible, or in my case leaving one teeny tiny detail overlooked which causes irreversible chaos to a dish that was laboured over during the whole afternoon.
Based on my experience, the first reaction is generally "F*CKK!!". After a second or two of disbelief, the "NO, NO, IT'S GOING TO BE OK... SH*T!!" generally takes over. But after coming to terms with the gravity of what just happened and tasting to confirm, the "AW F*CKING SH*T!!!" starts to sink in. Some calm deep breathing can really help you on the road to recovery along with a glass of wine and eventually trying to laugh it off.
This was the exact sequence of events that took place when I was attempting to construct my version of a holiday granola bar back in December. Every other food related internet hotspot was coming out with their beautifully festive recipes and of course I had to follow suit with my own original dish. I absolutely love granola and I've wanted to put a recipe on here for a while now so what could possibly be better than a cheery, colourful granola bar recipe! As I spent the afternoon prepping my ingredients, diligently slicing my own fresh coconut, and taking photos for proof, I foresaw one of the best granola bar versions I had ever produced... until disaster struck.
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| The potential here was enormous! |
The scrumptious pumpkin and syrup blend that would bind my other ingredients was of course hot from reducing over the past half hour-ish, and I was finally ready to mix it into the oats, toasted coconut, dried cranberries and festive green chocolate. As soon as I poured it in and began to mix I saw the green chocolate start to melt and streak, turning the entire mix a putrid shade of green.. commence process of denial and acceptance. I continued with the baking and hoped for the best but I knew it wasn't going to win any aesthetic awards and later on certainly no flavour praise. I hoped that being a sweet "treat" it could still be consumed by the average human. But after serving a bar each to both of my parents, they collectively ingested less than one bite of my freakish bars before admitting their disgust. TOTAL BUST.
What didn't help my withdrawal the next morning was the note from my mom stating her disappointment in the "waste of ingredients and time" my project had been. And just to show me how it's done there was a container of simple but delicious granola left out on the table that had been made that same morning. Thanks Mom. After eating a bowlful and realizing it's superior taste I was able to laugh mine off and decided to document her creation instead. So low and behold, Simple Granola.
Pre-Method
This is a basic oat granola recipe that will give you great results very quickly, but depending on how ambitious and comfortable you feel you can add different nutrition and taste boosting elements. Some great options are seeds (pumpkin, chia, sunflower for example), coconut (freshly sliced is AMAAAAZING), and dried fruit (raisins, pineapple, cranberry, blueberry, etc. Depending how tough the fruit is I would suggest adding it after granola has cooked so it doesn't become too dry and chewy).
You'll need:
- 3 cups whole oats
- 3 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/4 - 1/2 tbsp salt (taste before adding more)
- 1/4 cup oil (avoid strong oils like olive, coconut oil for example can be a tasty and nutritious option)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (leave out till after baking)
Method
1.Preheat oven to 300F. In a large mixing bowl add oats, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
2. In another small container add oil, honey, and vanilla extract. Whisk together and add to your first bowl. Mix together well until everything is coated evenly.
3. In a rimmed baking sheet lay down a sheet of parchment paper, this makes stirring the granola and clean up super easy. Pour out granola onto baking sheet and spread evenly.
4. Place baking sheet in oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then take out, stir up mixture, and spread evenly once again. Bake 5-15 minutes more until golden and smelling incredible. Less is more here.
5. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature before eating or packaging. If you have dried fruit you can mix them in at this point. As the granola cools it become crisp and crunchy, don't be fooled if it is still somewhat moist after coming from the oven. Store in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.
Done! Serve at room temperature
*Bonus Marks
- Serve with a little milk or rice/almond/soy milk for a cool, crunchy cereal alternative
- My favourite! Add granola to a bowl, add fresh or defrosted chopped fruit, and top with your favourite greek or regular yogurt!
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| Mmmm so crunchy & satisfying! |
**As always!
Let me know how it turns out for you, feel free to post your questions, comments, and stories below :)
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