Clumpy Chunky Basic Granola Recipe

I don't know about you but I like my granola on the chunky side. Not that I don't savor all those little loose pieces but I love the clumps of crunchy oats, nuts, and fruit.

Here are my tips for achieving maximum clumps with your homemade granola.

• Don't spread the mixture too thin when baking. I use a half sheet pan for this recipe which may seem small to you but having the granola a little thicker in the pan will help it clump.
• Press down just a little in the pan when baking. Don't press down firmly or it will be one giant clump. Not a problem if this does happen, just break it up or cut into bars.
• Use Brown Rice Syrup for your sweetener. You may have never used this ingredient but I urge you to give it a try. For medium clumping use maple syrup, for low clumping use honey.

This is a basic recipe, you can customize it using different nuts or seeds, dried fruit, or adding optional ingredients. Today I used some pine nuts, chopped pecans, and Craisons®.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups raw nuts and/or seeds
• 2/3 cup dried fruit (chop large fruits)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt (can reduce to 3/4 teaspoon)
• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup brown rice syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional ingredients include 1/2 cup coconut or chocolate chips)

Also need:

• Half sheet pan
• Parchment paper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper.
3. Mix oats, nuts and seeds, dried fruit, cinnamon, and salt.
4. In separate bowl combine melted coconut oil, brown rice syrup, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the syrup mixture into the oat mixture and mix very well. Make sure all dry ingredients are coated.
6. Spread mixture onto the lined sheet pan and bake about 20 - 24 minutes. Stir mixture half way through baking.