Last-Minute Christmas gift idea: Farmhouse Granola

We love granola! It’s such a handy staple to have on hand. But storebought granola is overpriced and often contains unnecessary or undesirable ingredients. In contrast, homemade granola is customizeable, economical, and EASY! In just fifteen minutes or less of hands-on time, you can mix up a batch of your own artisan blend. Here is my recipe for a festive, nutty granola, complete with aromatic spices, poppy seeds, and crystallized ginger. It’s a real treat.  And it’s perfect for sharing with neighbors for that last-minute Christmas gift!

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Poppy Seed Farmhouse Granola:

In a large bowl, stir together the dry ingredients:

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup chopped almonds
• 1/3 cup raw, hulled sunflower seeds
• ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 2-3 tablespoons poppy seeds

In another container, mix together the wet ingredients and spices:

• ½ cup grapeseed oil
• ½ cup maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground clove
• ½ teaspoon real salt

Stir everything together until fully combined. Spread evenly on a rimmed baking sheet covered with parchment paper.

Bake in a 300 degree oven for 40-45 minute, or until dry, stirring once or twice. Remove from the oven and let cool. Pour into a large storage container.

Mix in ¼ – ½ cup finely chopped crystallized ginger (to taste).

I don’t usually add dried fruit to my granola, because I sometimes pair it with other fruit. However, feel free to add dried currants or cranberries to taste.

This is a wonderful gift for friends, family and neighbors. Pop some in a gorgeous Weck jar and take it with you when you go caroling in your neighborhood this weekend!

Serving suggestions:

• Our favorite way to eat granola is as a topping to plain Greek yogurt, along with (thawed) frozen berries. In fact, Giggle and Wiggle happily ate this for lunch five days a week for four months following Stomp’s birth! It’s easy to take along as a picnic or on-the-go meal, too- just don’t thaw the berries! They will thaw slowly in the yogurt, keeping it cold and fresh for your convenience.
• Heat up chunky applesauce and top with granola (this tastes like apple crisp and is much easier to make!)
• Vanilla ice cream, caramel and granola- need I say more??
• Stir in some cold milk for a tasty breakfast cereal
• Store some in a bag in your handbag for those hungry moments
• Apple slices dipped in nut butter sprinkled with granola

What’s your favorite way to eat granola? I’d love to hear your feedback!

You should be able to find most of the ingredients either in your pantry or in your local grocery store. However, some items may prove more difficult to find or your time may run too short. For your convenience, here is a clickable Amazon supply list: