salted maple & walnut granola

23 October 2014

Most of the time, I'm a savoury breakfast girl. More specifically, half an avocado atop of half a slice of Schneider Brot 3 Grain Bread, sprinkled with sea salt. But when I have my morning coffee, sometimes I want something sweet to go with it... and sometimes a square of dark chocolate gets snuck in.

On occasion though, I do fancy a bit of a change - especially on a weekend. But as I don't typically stash any cereal in our cupboards, last Sunday I whipped up some very simple granola. It's definitely a lot healthier than the super sugary kind you find in the supermarket, ridiculously simple to make, and can be enjoyed with yogurt, milk or just by the handful!

Needless to say, it is also entirely customisable - use any nuts you like, add dried fruits (though after baking), sweeten with any sweet liquid if maple syrup isn't your thing (although that may mean we can't be friends). 

It keeps for a while in an airtight container - this would actually make a nice little gift if you're visiting a friend! Pop some in a bag, tie it up with a ribbon and tell them it took you hours to make. They'll never know.











Ingredients: 
2 cups rolled oats
roughly 1 cup walnut pieces (or any amount you like, really)
pinch of good quality sea salt
2 knobs of unsalted butter
2-4 tablespoons pure maple syrup (2 would be just slightly sweet, increase to taste)

To make:
1) Preheat oven to 150 degrees celsius. 
2) Melt the butter in the microwave - 10 seconds on high should do it.
3) Mix the butter with the maple syrup in a large bowl, and then add all the dry ingredients. Thoroughly mix.
4) Spread over parchment paper on a baking tray. Bake for about 30 minutes, and stir half way through to ensure even baking.
5) Take out when slightly golden brown, and enjoy!