Aunt Grace's Granola

Today Noel shares her aunt Grace's recipe for home made granola that she has posted on her website, Apron Free Cooking.  Last week I bought ingredients for a granola recipe that uses pure Ohio maple syrup, but so far have not had the time to actually make a batch. Noel's aunt Grace's recipe calls for honey, again a locally produced ingredient. Both pure Ohio maple syrup and local honey are available at The Farmers Wife store and at NorthSide Farmers Market (located at Galion KFC).

I've never made granola before, so I am looking forward to giving it a try PLUS saving money :)

Marcheta *frugalista

With warmer weather approaching, many folks I know are thinking about exercising and getting into shape. One simple change that will help towards the goal of feeling better is to give up the fast food breakfast in exchange for a bowl of granola.

Not only can this change help your physical wellness, it might also help your financial wellness. The last time I checked a fast food breakfast was about $3 or $4. You can make your own granola for a lot less than $3 per serving.

My Aunt Grace recently shared her granola recipe with me. It’s wonderful in its simplicity. You’ll love the versatility of the simple granola, too. A simple recipe is easy to modify!

Aunt Grace’s Granola

6 cups old fashioned oats1 cup chopped pecans1/2 cup honey1/2 cup oil1 cup chopped dates

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a very large mixing bowl, combine oats, pecans, honey and oil. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients. Place mixture into an oiled 9 x 13 dish, and bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove from 9 x 13 pan and put back into mixing bowl immediately (dish still hot – may overcook oatmeal), and cool. Once the granola is cooled mix in 1 cup chopped dates.


Make it a Meal: Place a half cup of granola over your morning yogurt. Serve as cereal with slice fresh fruit and milk. Sprinkle over your salad to add some crunch to the greens.


Approximate Nutritional Information: Servings Per Recipe: 24, Amount Per Serving: Calories: 262, Total Fat: 11g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 1mg, Total Carbs: 37g, Protein: 7g.

Variations: You may substitute any dried fruit in place of the dates. Raisins are easy to find and always a good choice. Dried cranberries or blueberries are also available in most groceries. If you want to really change up the flavors, create a tropical granola by adding some coconut flakes, dried pineapple and apricot. Another way to change the flavor of your granola is to replace the pecans with chopped walnuts or peanuts.

Granola is full of fiber, which is vital for digestion, as you know if you watch TV commercials. I think a better source for information might be a reputable nutritionist or other health professional, but I do believe in all things in moderation. However, I do know that a small bowl of granola with a little milk or yogurt has got to be healthier than a fried breakfast.

If you’re looking to make some lifestyle changes in nutrition and exercise arenas, then start with some small changes. Aunt Grace’s Granola is easy to make, simple to store (up to a month in airtight container), and provides a tasty breakfast.

You’ll be doing your budget a favor as well, since the cost of this oatmeal is pennies per bowl. The other great thing about having a container of granola sitting on the counter…it’s easy to fix a bowl to eat while your checking your morning emails!

Noel Lizotte is breaking free of corporate stress with convenience cooking! This recipe is similar to ones printed in her cookbook Apron Free Cooking which is available on the website www.apronfreecooking.com.