GLG

 

So, Jersey Shore has GTL: Gym, Tan, Laundry. 

I have GLG: Grocery Lane Granola.

 

 

 

 

I was talking to my friend Ferg the other night on the phone, and she was asking, since I was a teacher, if I had any ideas on what she could get her son’s teachers for Christmas.  She was planning on giving gift cards (always a good choice) but wanted to do something homemade as well to make it a bit more personal. 

 

 

After thinking about it for a day or two, my suggestion, which I haven’t even talked to her about – hope she’s reading this morning, hi Fergie! - would be homemade granola. 

I am always getting cookies and chocolates as gifts from my students, which are much appreciated, but homemade granola would be a much healthier alternative for snacking during an already calorie heavy holiday.

 

 

Packaged in some cute mason jars, this granola is a great gift for for teachers, co-workers and even used as a stocking stuffer!

This version of my granola recipe makes a HUGE batch.  If you don’t need extra for gift giving, just halve the recipe and it tastes just as delicious!  Enjoy!

 

Grocery Lane Granola

Print this recipe!

8 C quick cooking oats

1 C brown sugar

1/2  C water

1/2  t salt

1 t vanilla extract

2 t cinnamon

1 T canola/vegetable oil

1 C chopped walnuts

2 C dried Bing cherries (can also use Craisins)

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine oats, walnuts, and cinnamon in a large bowl.

In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, water and salt.  Cook and stir over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until the brown sugar is dissolved.  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Pour over oat mixture and add oil. Stir to coat.

Spread onto two baking sheets.  Bake for 25-30 minutes stirring every 10 minutes until golden brown.  Add Bing cherries for the last 10 minutes of cooking time.

 

Cool and sore in airtight container.  Viola!

 

• Add a ribbon and gift tag and you have a wonderful, healthy holiday gift!

 

• This granola is great served over yogurt or applesauce, with milk as a cereal or used as a topping when eating bananas topped with peanut butter (my favorite)!