What if I told you that I have the perfect gift idea for any occasion? It’s a holiday gift, housewarming gift, a “thank you,” and “feel better” gift. As a matter of fact, it’s the perfect hostess gift for you to bring to your 4th of July barbecue this weekend.
It’s inexpensive.
The recipient will love it. Guaranteed.
And you can make it very easily yourself.
No, this isn’t some kind of as-seen-on-TV gimmick or pyramid scam.
We’re talking granola, baby. The Fierce Diva’s world famous homemade gourmet granola.
Oh, and did I mention the ingredients are all as wholesome as hell?
Of course, you can make it for yourself, too. It's a great breakfast option when you serve it with your favorite milk, a perfect snack on the go in between activities with the kids, or to refuel on a long distance run.
Let’s begin!
Set oven to 325°
You will need:
3 cups of old fashioned rolled oats
1/3 cup of flour - brown rice flour tastes the best with this recipe since it’s so light, but whole wheat or pastry flour will work as well.
1 tsp. salt
1/3 cup of ground flax meal - optional but super, super healthy!
1/2 cup pure maple syrup*
1/2 cup vegetable oil - canola or grape seed will give the best texture and flavor. Sunflower oil is also great in this recipe!
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Optional mix ins: 1/3 cup dried fruit, 1/3 cup sliced almonds 1/3 shredded coconut
*Variation: Use only 1/3 cup of maple syrup and 2 tablespoons of brown rice syrup instead.
Mix oats, flour, salt and flax in 1 bowl and oil, syrup, and vanilla in another.
Then combine all ingredients in 1 bowl and mix well. Add nuts or coconut if you are including them.
Spread on greased cookie sheet.
Bake for 25 - 30 minutes or until edges of the mixture begin to brown. Do not overcook!
If you are using dried fruit, transfer the granola into a mixing bowl and mix in the fruit now. Otherwise, keep on cookie sheet for 10 minutes to cool.
You all know by now how I feel about living beyond your means. One area where people tend to overspend is gifts. For my full rant on that subject, click here.
Instead of giving a gift you cannot afford and resenting it, give a gift you can afford, and that your recipient will love and appreciate. For a great presentation, put the granola in a pretty glass jar and tie it with a bow.
Last Christmas, I made over 25 batches, gave them to teachers, bus drivers, and everyone else on my holiday list. Keep it in mind for the next time you need a gift. It's delicious. And best of all, it was made by you.
Namaste, Divas!
©2012 Ilene Evans
