We serve this delicious granola every morning at Inspirations. Not only does it have the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, but most granolas have a whole host of health benefits! It can help lower cholesterol, improve heart health, increase cognitive activity, and boost energy, which makes it the perfect thing to start your day with.
Granola contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, as well as a long list of vitamins and minerals, including zinc, sodium, potassium, thiamin, niacin, vitamins C and E, magnesium, and calcium. You can carry it with you on the go, or sprinkle it over any number of other ingredients. Our version is luxuriously diverse, with several kinds of nuts, seeds, and extra thick rolled oats, which are traditionally pressed and steamed.
This recipe can be made with nearly any flavor of balsamic vinegar, but this one is our tried and true favorite-- we love our granola over plain Greek yogurt with some fresh blackberries and a drizzle of our very own Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Vinegar. Try replacing the berries with another one of your favorite fruits or adding an extra drizzle of honey or agave for something a bit different!
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- 2 lb. extra thick rolled oats
- 2 cups coconut
- 2 cups raw sunflower seeds
- 1 lb. raw whole cashews
- 2 lb. pecans, halved
- 2 cups almonds, sliced
- 1 cup almond slivers, blanched
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups Butter Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Balsamic Vinegar
- 3 Tbsp. molasses
- ½ cup honey
- 1 stick butter, melted
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Pour wet mixture over dry mixture and combine until the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
- Spread evenly over two sheet pans.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, stirring every ten minutes, until granola is golden brown throughout. Be sure to keep a close eye on the mixture for the last few minutes, as it will brown quickly.