Here’s a handy tip: Start recycling empty peanut butter jars now so that in December, you can take them out, fill them with treats and give as little gifts. Unlike pickle jars, peanut butter jars are odor free after a couple of washes. This jar is full of the latest, greatest granola -- Tropical Granola.
Tropical Granola with Flour and Dry Milk Powder
As mentioned, I wanted to try a recipe that used flour and non-fat dry milk. After several experiments with various small batch versions, I liked this one the best because it's crispier than other granola, and loose but with big clumps. You can eat it with your fingers or in a bowl with milk or yogurt.
Ingredient Swaps
For the flour, you can use all-purpose or a gluten-free flour like oat or rice flour. Hemp seeds are a fun addition, but if you want something more traditional the sunflower seeds work just as well. At one point I tested with a little quinoa, but didn't like the texture. For the nuts, just about any nut can be used in place of walnuts or you can use a mix. Maple syrup can stand in for honey, canola or any other oil can be used in place of canola, and you can leave out the vanilla if you wish.
Recipe
Tropical Granola
Ingredients
- 1 ⅔ cups old fashioned oats
- ⅓ cup flour all-purpose, whole wheat or Ultragrain
- ¼ cup hemp seeds or sunflower seeds
- 3 tablespoons golden flax
- ¼ cup non-fat dry milk powder
- ¼ cup flaked sweetened or unsweetened coconut
- ¼ teaspoon salt plus an extra pinch
- ¾ cup roughly chopped walnuts or your favorite nut
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ⅔ cup dried banana chips
- ¾ cup chopped dried tropical fruit from bulk bin
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick foil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, hemp seeds, flax, dry milk, coconut, and salt. Stir well, and then add the walnuts.
- In a microwave-safe glass measuring cup or bowl, mix the coconut oil, honey, brown sugar and water. Heat for about 30 seconds or just until mixture boils. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over. Stir well, then stir in vanilla. Pour over oat mixture and stir until very well mixed. Stir in the banana chips. Empty onto baking sheet and spread it evenly across.
- Bake at 250 degrees for 45 to 53 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. It will crisp as it cools. Add chopped dried fruit. Makes about 4 cups.
Katrina says
I'll put this one on the list to try. I've seem to have a plethora of granola right now--but never fear, it goes quickly!
Tracy says
Looks yummy! I love granola, especially granola with big chunks.
Chewthefat says
You could always use a jar of almond or cashew butter for people with peanut allergies 🙂 The nut butter jars look really pretty and they are unbreakable! Using kid's stickers on the top of the jars or the sides of the plastic to decorate the jars would be great for gifts.
Anna says
Sounds like you are really looking forward to your trip. I recommend granola or any type of nut. If you have an insulated pack of some kind, I recommend a carton of Muscle Milk lite or a protein drink.
amy says
do you have any ideas on snacks that i can take on trips. i am headed to va this weekend, and i need some healthy snack ideas. thanks amy
Anna says
Cheri, I squirrel away jars and bottles too. Unfortunately, I forget why I stashed them and end up throwing them out. This time I'm going to remember.
Mary, we have IKEA, but it's on the other side of town. If I ever go, I'll look at the jar selection.
Adam, I'm happy to hear you've already started collecting ingredients.
By the way, this recipe makes about 4 cups. I need to add that.
Adam says
You know, I haven't even started on the last granola recipe (though I did by some stuff for it) and you're already giving me another one :)? Back to the grocery store :).
xeyedmary says
In case you're caught without any recycled jars, if you have one near you, IKEA has some very inexpensive jars- some less than $2 a piece, depending on size. They have lots of sizes, screw tops, latch tops, friction fit tops.
C L says
Hi Anna,
I don't know if the sizes are right for your granola project but I also save jars from instant iced tea, malted milk powder, and pre-made iced tea or coffee beverages. Thank you for the reminder to start saving jars now! 🙂 Last year I suddenly found myself frantically searching for jars during December. Now to convince my husband that there is a very good reason to "squirrel away" those jars. LOL This granola recipe might convince him 🙂 .