A Zesty & Crunchy Granola Loaded with Almonds, Pecans and Natural Orange Rind.
Such an addictive flavor using Orange Oil for added flavor (yes a recipe for that too!)
I LOVE making granola! I eat some every morning with yogurt and berries, yes – e-v-e-r-y-d-a-y!
See that is is citrus season right now – I wanted to take advantage of the harmonious balance of sweetness and acidity and add to my usual granola.
The granola is lightly sweetened with honey and coconut palm sugar and uses Orange Oil which you will make to enhance the “orange-flavor.” Or – you can use extra virgin olive oil or an expeller pressed neutral oil.
I like making the parfaits JUST BEFORE serving. That way, the granola stays fresh & crispy!
You might like it standing a bit – the granola soaks into the yogurt and the citrus flavor is enhanced.
Any Orange Citrus rind will do – I chose a Navel Orange.
They are easy to remove the rind with a peeler and have a nice thick wall.
Turn the peels over on a cutting board – white pith side up and remove all the white pith with a serrated knife until you are left with just the orange rind, then cut into thin strips across – 1/2″ long.
Make Orange Oil; use rind too for the Granola:
- Add -the peel of one large orange, in strips (all white pith cut away) to 2/3 cup oil; place in a small pan
- Heat until a simmer, and cook 5 minutes covered
- Uncover and let stand 3 hours to infuse
- Use Orange Oil for the granola!
- Cut the soaked orange into thins strips – add to the granola
A game changer – One Degree Gluten Free Sprouted Rolled Oats
Sprouted Oats are more easily digestible and boast more nutrients, these are organic & gluten free!
How to make the GRANOLA:
- Mix The dry ingredients with the orange rind in a large bowl
- To a 2 cup pyrex measuring cup (or glass bowl) add Orange Oil, Honey, Coconut Palm Sugar, Pure Vanilla and Pure Almond Extract – microwave 30 seconds to warm – ADD to large bowl and mix
- Add to a parchment lined 10 x 15 rimmed baking sheet (called a jellyroll pan) – SMOOTH the granola in a even layer
- Bake at a low 325 degrees – we do not want the orange rind to burn for 15 minutes, or until golden
- Remove from oven – toss up with a spatula, flatten and bake for 5 – 7 minutes more until all golden
- Let stand for 20 minutes then break up – will have nice big pieces of granola – crumble if you desire
I use a 10 x 15″ rimmed Jelly Roll Pan for the granola.
I MUST SAY – I use this pan for everything! Roasting veggies, small batch of cookies, cooking tofu cubes, roasting chicken pieces… anytime you need a non- reactive pan (this one is steel) that is a little smaller in size – this is your pan! (I do NOT use Teflon coated baking pans or non-stick)
Let cool for 20 minutes, will still be slightly warm – slide a metal spatula underneath and granola will be in large pieces.
Why I LOVE This Granola!
- A nice natural tasting orange flavor (I do not eat anything with “natural flavorings” ugh-chemicals.)
- Bakes up in chunks… I love it that way! Ok to pinch into smaller pieces or crumble
- Not too sweet! And – uses just enough oil to bind together
- Great for a snack – grab by the handful!
- Makes a pretty impressive and delicious Parfait…with yogurt & berries
- Gluten & Dairy Free
- Can be used for a pie crust! See this recipe: Karen’s Granola for Snacking & Pie Crust
Make parfaits using glassware you have. These are simply stemless wine glasses!
Use smaller glasses if you are just having a nosh or breakfast – yet these big ones above surely show off the beautiful layered granola, yogurt & berries.
Also see my COLLECTION of ZESTY CITRUS RECIPES here… dozens to choose from!
Enjoy the simple pleasure of Homemade Granola!
Let me know that you think!
Karen
So many uses!! Traditional Uncoated True Jelly Roll Pan, 15-Inch by 10-Inch
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I made this granola as written in the recipe. Was amazed how well it came out with a nice orange flavor. Not a fake tasting flavor. The orange oil & slivered orange took a little time taking off the white pith but was worth the time. Have a little left over to throw in a stew. Cooked up crispy, was careful not to burn it, did not know about the step of mixing it up and placing back in the oven but this technique worked. Thanks Karen!
Thanks Lacie! So glad you liked the granola and its flavor. Funny – I made a batch today! Thank you for writing. ?Karen