Maple pecan granola

I’ve never liked store bought granola. I found the taste bland, at best, and downright nasty, at worst. I never understood why people loved the stuff.  Then, I tried making my own granola and I realized that the store bought stuff just can’t compare to the homemade one. Over the years, I’ve tried different recipes. My biggest complain was the sheer number of ingredients. I like simple, but flavourful recipes.

Last fall, I tried the Maple Pecan clusters at Trader Joe’s and was blown away by how yummy they were. And they were store bought! So, I decided to try making it at home. I searched and found a bunch of recipes inspired by the original. I made one batch and although it was good, it was missing something. I modified some ingredients and added cinnamon because I found that it takes the flavour to a whole different level. I also use large flake oats because I find their texture to be a better than regular oats. I guess I’m on a maple pecan kick this winter. I just can’t enough of this flavour combination.

The stirring is important as it allows the granola to get a really nice golden colour and gives you a chance to break it up and create little clusters.

I put this granola on yogurt, on fresh fruit, eat it straight up as a snack, or as a cereal. So yummy! Friends have started asking for the recipe, so I thought I’d post it. Enjoy!

Maple pecan granola

Ingredients

•  2 cups large flake oats
• ½ cup pecan pieces
• ½  cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ⅛  teaspoon salt

Directions

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
• Combine all ingredients; spread on a large jelly roll pan lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
• Cool completely.