Friday, December 12, 2008

Fruity Granola and lots of other baking




Experimenting the other day I found out you could make a fruity tasting granola without much sugar at all. I had orange and apple juice concentrates to use up so I decided to substitute the sugars in the granola recipe with the juices. I added a little vanilla and it ended up with a hint of "creamsicle" taste. I thought it could have used a bit more sweetener, but Daniel thought it was good. If you wanted to do the same, take the brown sugar out of the recipe (such as this one) and replace it with orange and apple juice and a little vanilla. You will need more juice than just replacing in equal parts, but if you've made granola before you can see how much liquid your mixture can handle. Since it will be a little wetter than the original recipes intends, you may need extra time in the oven. When I made it I used 1 part oil to 2 parts juice, but I am not sure on my measurements:) For vanilla I used about 2 tsps. Since granola is one of hubby's favorite snacks I make it almost once a week and no longer measure-sorry!

But here are the ingredients I used...simple!
Oats (maybe 7 cups)
Oil (1/2 cup -3/4 cup)
Apple juice (1 or more cups)
Orange Juice (1/2 cup +)
2 tsp. vanilla

I baked at 300 for about 30 minutes total, with a stir in halfway. I think it could use some honey, but if you like it with less sweetness, this may be something to try!

My other goodies: corn muffins to go with the crockpot black bean salsa chicken soup and a no sugar fruit bar from the What to Eat when Expecting book.


My happy kitchen helper:)

Empty oat containers make great toys (well except here she's trying to throw it away:)

Trying to get those silly oats out!



1 comment:

valley view farm said...

I used to make granola all the time but with a much more complicated recipe. I will have to try this, it looks quick, easy and (the best part) healthy!