Peanut Butter Granola

happy spring + here's a great gift able granola recipe.  I am crazy about granola, and peanut butter granola is always a favorite.  This is a fairly large recipe, its nice to have a lot around, and some to give away.  Nut butter granola makes a great meal, because it has a nice balance of fat, protein, and fiber.  It sticks with you, and fuels you well.  I like to mix mine with regular cow's milk, or almond milk.  But its quite popular to mix it with yogurt.  This one is good enough to eat by itself.

 1 cup peanut butter

3/4 cup pure maple syrup

3/4 cup coconut oil

5 cups rolled oats, not quick

1 cup ground oats

1/2 cup wheat germ

1 1/2 cups flaked coconut

1 1/2 cups peanuts

salt

I have a coffee grinder, that I grind grains in.  Simply grinding up oatmeal, makes oat flour.  I like to use  ground oats in my granola, it helps to bind it all together.  I found this grinder at the thrift store, I suggest that you do this too.  It works for grinding flax seed, which is also great in granola. I mix the oats, oat flour, wheat germ, and peanuts in a large bowl.  Stir to combine.  

The next step is to combine all the wet ingredients.  Oil, maple syrup, and peanut butter.  I want to talk a little about substituting,  you can swap any of these ingredients.  For instance you can use butter instead of coconut oil, almond butter instead of peanut butter, honey or molasses for maple syrup.  I personally like the flavor combination of this one.  Heat on the stove, to just a light boil. Then pour over the oat mixture, coating evenly.

I always grease the pan well, with butter. Sprinkle with salt. Place in a preheated 350 degree oven.  Set the timer for 15 minutes, then stir the granola so it doesn't burn. Roast for another 15 minutes, then add the coconut. 

I love putting coconut in my granola, it is so good.  But you always want to add it later.  It toasts up quickly.  After the coconut is added I place in the oven for another 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it, you may need to turn it a time or two.  Roasting evenly. And there you have it, a big ol batch of granola.  So ditch the cereal, its not good for you anyway.

Its fun to put the granola in cute little jars, and give some away.  A perfect spring treat for a friend, co worker, or employee.  Fuel your next adventure well. I'm Dacia and I create all kinds of lovely.  Check out my Etsy Shop for the latest aprons, and handmade soaps. Stay connected through Instagram or Facebook.  I wish you all a wonderful day, may you be happy and well.