As I stated in the blog entry about the ginger snaps, I’ve really been loving the flavors of gingerbread this holiday season.  So when I decided to make some granola to give to friends and family members, I decided a gingerbread-flavored granola sounded yummy!

While the granola base was baking in the oven, I was on the phone with my mom.  I asked her what add-ins I could use that would be yummy with the gingerbread flavor.  It was decided that pecans or walnuts would be yummy, and cranberries or even raisins would also be yummy!  I ended up putting pecans and cranberries.  You could even put chocolate chips for a chocolate gingerbread flavor.

Gingerbread Granola

Stars of the recipe:

• 2 c. oatmeal (I used quick oats.)
• 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
• pinch of cloves
• 2 tsp. ground ginger
• 2 Tbsp. molasses (Spray measuring spoon with cooking spray before measuring.)
• 1/4 c. honey (Spray measuring cup with cooking spray before measuring.)
• 2 Tbsp. coconut oil
• 1/4  – 1/2 c. raisins or dried cranberries (I used cranberries.)
• 1/4 – 1/2 c. chopped walnuts or pecans (I used pecans.)
• Optional:  1/4 c. chocolate chips

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. In a medium measuring bowl, combine oatmeal and spices.
3. In a small bowl, place coconut oil.  Melt in microwave for 1 minute.
4. Add the molasses and honey to the coconut oil.
5. Pour over the oatmeal and spices.  Stir until all of the oatmeal is combined.
6. Place on a cooking sheet in a thin layer.
7. Bake for 8 minutes.  Remove from oven and stir.  Place back into the oven.
8. Bake for an additional 8 minutes.  Take it out of the oven.
9. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before adding the raisins or cranberries and nuts.
10. Store in an airtight container.
11. Enjoy with yogurt or milk!

Printable Recipe