# Holiday Almond and Cranberry Granola: A Perfect Holiday Delight!
## Introduction
Welcome to our classic, celebratory recipe perfect for the holidays – the Holiday Almond and Cranberry Granola. This homemade granola provides the supreme blend of sweet and tart flavors, along with a delightful crunch that makes it a treat for breakfast, desserts, and snacks.
## Why Make This Recipe
The personality of this granola recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility along with festive holiday ingredients like cranberries and almonds. It’s a healthy and delicious breakfast option that can also double up as a fantastic edible gift option to spread holiday cheer among your loved ones.
## How to Make Holiday Almond and Cranberry Granola
Making Holiday Almond and Cranberry Granola at home is a simple process. The recipe calls for everyday pantry staples and the entire process takes no more than 35 minutes. From prepping to enjoying a serving of this granola, you’re only a few steps away.
## Ingredients:
You will need the following ingredients:
– 3 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup almonds, roughly chopped
– 3/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
## Directions:
Follow these steps to make the perfect holiday granola:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, chopped almonds, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
5. Spread the mixture out evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown.
7. Remove the granola from the oven, let it cool completely on the baking sheet. The granola will get crunchier as it cools.
8. Once cooled, mix in the dried cranberries.
## How to serve Holiday Almond and Cranberry Granola
This delightful granola can be served in a myriad number of ways. Enjoy it with Greek yogurt or your favorite milk. Sprinkle it over ice cream for a marvelous dessert or simply enjoy munching on it directly from the jar!
## How to Store Holiday Almond and Cranberry Granola
Store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh and crispy for up to 2 weeks.
## Tips to Make Holiday Almond and Cranberry Granola
To ensure that your granola comes out perfectly each time, keep these tips in mind:
– Always preheat your oven. This ensures that the granola cooks evenly.
– Stir the granola halfway through baking to ensure an even cook and to prevent the granola on the edges from burning.
– Allow the granola to cool completely before adding the cranberries or before storing it.
## Variation (if any)
The beauty of this granola recipe is its adaptability. You can easily substitute the almonds with other nuts like pecans or walnuts. Similarly, you can replace dried cranberries with any other dried fruits like raisins or apricots.
## FAQs
**Q1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats for this recipe?**
A1. It’s best to use rolled oats because they maintain their shape and texture after cooking. Quick oats may result in a softer, less crunchy granola.
**Q2. Can I reduce the amount of sweetener in this recipe?**
A2. Yes, you can adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup based on your personal preference. However, reducing it too much may impact the granola’s crunchiness.
**Q3. How can I ensure that my granola is crispy?**
A3. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet after removing it from the oven. The granola continues to harden and get crispy as it cools.