Peanut Butter Granola

Peanut Butter Granola with Chocolate Chips and Raisins

 We have been a little granola-obsessed in our house lately.  If I don't have a batch in the pantry handy for serving with yogurt or a splash of milk, I feel a little lost.  And, since I have a few others who are eagerly helping me work through containers of granola, I've been making it quite a bit these days.

Something fantastic about homemade granola is ingredients can be mixed and matched based on what's in your cupboard. Feel free to add or delete things from these recipes based on your mood and what's in stock. 

I wanted to try a peanut butter rendition this last time.  I really like how the peanut butter makes for bigger, "snackable" clusters.  It's been hard to resist picking them out of the jar and munching them one by one.  Not being a huge peanut fan, I don't know if this is my favorite batch, but definitely share-worthy.  And, as just about every time he's getting another scoop, my husband likes to remind me of what one of our latest house guests commented: "This granola is LEGIT!"

Also, check out the previous post on Mango Ginger Granola and below for a more traditional granola variation for other granola related ideas.  I am looking forward to experimenting in making my own granola bars next!

Peanut Butter Granola
3 cups rolled oats (the "Old Fashioned" kind)
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup or agave nectar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment.  In a large bowl, combine oats, wheat germ, sesame seeds and coconut.  Stir together honey, vanilla and peanut butter in a microwavable dish (a pyrex measuring cup is ideal).  Heat for about 30 seconds to soften peanut butter.  Stir together peanut butter mixture until smooth.  Pour over oats and mix together until all the oats are moistened.  Turn mixture out onto prepared baking sheet.  Spread into a single layer (mixture will be a bit clumpy and that's ok, it gives you lots of little clusters to snack on!).  Bake at 325 for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes to prevent burning.  Granola is done when golden brown.  Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.  Stir in peanuts and chocolate chips and raisins (if using).  Transfer to an airtight container.

Traditional Granola Recipe with Raisins

Traditional Granola Variation:
Combine oats, wheat germ, sesame seeds and coconut as above.  Add 1/2 cup raw almonds (slivered, sliced or roughly chopped).
Omit peanut butter and substitute 1/4 cup vegetable oil.  Stir oil into honey (or maple syrup or agave nectar) along with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Bake at 325 for 25-35 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes to prevent browning.
Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
Stir in 1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds and 1 cup dried fruit (or combination) of your choice (raisins, chopped dates, apricots, dried cherries, cranberries, blueberries, mango...).
Store in an airtight container.