The real meaning of Christmas can often get lost in the hectic smorgasbord of festive paraphernalia that generally orders you to max out your credit cards on presents and gifts that at the end of the day will be placed away in cupboards and often forgotten about! DIY presents on the other hand are brilliant for so many reasons- they say ‘I care,’ they are thoughtful, they are appreciated, they are often sustainable in nature, they are creative, they are cost effective and they put the real meaning back into Christmas- to give and share special moments with those you love.
I love making homemade granola, and at this time of the year, I love packing it up into jars to gift. You can get creative- the variations on granola are endless! You can buy special jars or I simply save the jars I use in the kitchen and wash them well to reuse. Mismatched and eclecticism adds to the joy!
Try this simple granola below and not only are you taking time to make something special, you are also quietly educating and inspiring, you are gifting health and nourishment and, if you’re like me, your also elbowing a little bit of activism into Christmas, which is always a good thing 😉
Ingredients-
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup sun flower seeds
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup cranberries
- ½ cup sultanas
- ½ cup chopped dried apricots
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Method-
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees and line your baking tray with baking paper.
Mix all of the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Combine the coconut oil, sweetener and vanilla in a small bowl and mix well.
Add this to the dry ingredients and mix well to evenly coat.
Spread the granola evenly on lined baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes. Check and stir and then cook for another 5-10 minutes- check regularly as it can brown very quickly!
Allow the mixture to cool completely.
When completely cool place granola in small jars and tie with ribbons ready to gift to someone special!
*This is a very simple base recipe for granola- feel free to substitute the almonds and cashew for walnuts or pecans, and swap the cranberries and sultanas for mulberries and dried pineapple. Granola is very versatile so have fun creating your own favorite blend!