**Cranberry Almond Holiday Granola – Your Festive Breakfast Delight!**
##Introduction
The holiday season is a magical time filled with cheer, laughter, gifts, and of course, delicious food! One such favorite festive staple is the Cranberry Almond Holiday Granola. This delightful granola has a sweet, nutty flavor with a hint of tartness from the cranberries, and brings a joyous start to your day.
##Why Make This Recipe
Our Cranberry Almond Holiday Granola recipe is an excellent choice for the season as it is not only quick and easy to make, but it is healthy, versatile, and extremely flavorful. Plus, it includes heart-healthy oats, nutritious almonds, and antioxidant-rich cranberries – a perfect blend to fuel your day!
##How to Make Cranberry Almond Holiday Granola
Creating this festive feast couldn’t be simpler!
###Ingredients:
– 3 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup almonds, sliced
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
###Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine oats, almonds, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. Whisk together honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown.
7. Cool completely for a crispy finish, then stir in the cranberries.
8. Store your Cranberry Almond Holiday Granola in an airtight container for freshness.
##How to Serve Cranberry Almond Holiday Granola
This granola can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve it in a bowl with milk or yogurt for a crunchy, wholesome breakfast. You could also sprinkle some over your favorite desserts for an extra festive touch!
##How to Store Cranberry Almond Holiday Granola
Store your Cranberry Almond Holiday Granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy. You can store it at room temperature for about 2 weeks.
##Tips to Make Cranberry Almond Holiday Granola
– Stir your granola halfway through baking to ensure an even bake.
– Let your granola cool completely after taking it out of the oven. It will become crispier as it cools.
##Variations
For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup. You can also experiment with a range of nuts and seeds for more diverse flavors and textures!
##FAQs
**1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?**
Fresh cranberries may add more moisture and alter the texture of the granola. Dried cranberries are recommended for their concentrated flavor and chewy texture.
**2. Can I substitute the almond with other nuts?**
Yes, you can substitute the almonds with any other nuts of your preference like walnuts or pecans.
**3. How long does the granola stay fresh?**
When stored in an airtight container, the Cranberry Almond Holiday Granola stays fresh for about 2 weeks.
Indulge in a bowl of this festive Cranberry Almond Holiday Granola to add a spark of joy to your holiday mornings. Happy holidays!