Now that I’m working full time, I’ve been challenged with finding new lunch ideas. Gone are the days of having a full kitchen at my disposal anytime of the day, so the easier it is to prepare the easier my life is. I’ve been enjoying hummus and vegetables, soup, and various fresh fruits but I’ve been craving something nutritious and hearty for my 2pm snack.
After far too many crackers and chips, I decided to make my own granola. It was surprisingly easy and came together quickly. I used olive oil as the fat base but you could use coconut oil for a unique twist. To make the granola vegan you could replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar as well. With the kids back in school this week, homemade granola would be the perfect weekday breakfast or even as a lunch box snack. What made this granola so enjoyable though was fresh dehydrated fruit.
Last month, BigKitchen provided me with a Waring Pro food dehydrator and it’s been so much fun preserving fresh summer produce. I’ve made everything from fruit leather and banana chips to sun dried tomatoes and jerky. With produce at it’s peak right now, this dehydrator has been especially useful. Last week I dried fresh herbs from my garden which will be perfect for winter cooking.
From all the things I’ve made, I have to say dried cherries have been my favorite. They are so expensive at the store that I rarely purchase them, but making them at home is significantly cheaper and they aren’t packed with added sugar and preservatives. I used a combination of dried cherries, pineapple and apple in this honey nut granola recipe and it was superb.
Giveway:
Contest is now closed
* Congratulations commenter #88 Courtney! I’ve e-mailed you with the details.
Now to what you’ve all been waiting for, the giveaway! BigKitchen is providing one lucky reader with a new Waring Pro food dehydrator! (pictured above) To enter, visit their website and then in the comments below tell me what kitchen gadget you would love to have.
For four extra chances to win:
- Like BigKitchen on Facebook and comment below that you liked them.
- Like Munchin with Munchkin on Facebook and comment below that you’ve liked my page
- Follow BigKitchen on Twitter and comment below that you follow them
- Follow Munchin with Munchkin on Twitter and comment below that you follow me
Giveaway is open to legal U.S residents 18 years of age and older. No purchase necessary. This giveaway is sponsored by BigKitchen, however all reviews and opinions are my own. Giveaway ends Wednesday September 19th 2012 at 6pm eastern time. The winner will be announced on this post and will contacted by e-mail. The winner will have 48 hours to claim the prize.
Good luck y’all!
Honey Nut Granola Recipe
Yield 6 cups
Ingredients:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1/3 cup sesame seeds
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup to make vegan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cups dried cherries
- 1/4 cup dried pineapple
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350.
- In a small bowl combine kosher salt, cinnamon and ginger.
- In a large bowl combine rolled oats, almonds, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Sprinkle with the small bowl of spices.
- In a medium bowl combine olive oil, honey, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the honey mixture into the rolled oat mixture and stir to combine.
- Fold the granola onto a cookie sheet and bake for thirty minutes, tossing the granola and rotating the pan every 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cool.
- Store in an airtight container.
If you like this recipe, you may also like:
- Tropical breakfast quinoa
- Healthvanilla bean cherry chocolate granola bars
- Strawberry mango hibiscus fruit leather
- Baked honey oatmeal with raspberries and pistachios
{ 165 comments… read them below or add one }
I would love to have this food dehydrator! I’d also love to have the Breville Electronic Smart Grill.
I like BigKitchen on Facebook.
I like Munchin with Munchkin on Facebook.
I’ve had my eye on a Vitamix for a while. I would definitely want the Vitamix CIA Professional Series Onyx 64 oz Blender. So pretty!
I liked BigKitchen’s Facebook page.
I follow them on Twitter.
aaaaand I follow you on Twitter!
The Sandwich Cutters look awesome! And pretty much anything in the back to school section like the Mini Bento Lunch Jar Set!
I would love a food dehydrator! Sun dried tomatoes are my favorite, and tomatoes are at peak season! I’m also loving the panini presses…what a great website!
I would love to have the cuisinart 14 cup food processor. I am broke, and all I keep turning up with at the thrift center is the small ones (which I break making homemade laundry soap)….
:)
Oh a Vitamix Blender, for sure! Thanks for the great giveaway!
Besides this food dehydrator, I’d dig their yogurt maker or a juice extractor.
I have actually been thinking about getting a dehydrator for awhile now.. I just love dried fruit, and this would be perfect!
That granola sounds delicious! I love the Lunchbots.
I Liked Big Kitchen on FB
I Like you on FB!
I followed BigKitchen on Twitter
I followed you on Twitter
I’d love a chance at this food dehydrator! To be honest I have so many gadgets already, this is the main thing from their website that I still need!
I liked Big Kitchen…
Already liked Munchin with Munchkin =)
The Silikomart Brown Mr. Ginger Silicone Christmas Chocolate Mold is super cute! I wish I had one!
I like Big Kitchen on FB
I Like Munchin with Munchkin on FB!
Thank you so much for offering such a great giveaway! I’m going to dream big and choose the Cuisinart DLC-X Plus food processor: http://www.bigkitchen.com/product/Cuisinart-DLC-X-Plus-White-Food-Processor-547142/Appliances-Food_Processors
I like BigKitchen on Facebook – Cindy Aiton
I like Munchin with Munchkin on Facebook – Cindy Aiton
I follow BigKitchen on Twitter – @normawatson
I follow Munchin with Munchkin on Twitter – @normawatson
I’ve been wanting a dehydrator for forever!
I love the NESPRESSO PIXIE D60 ELECTRIC ALUMINUM ESPRESSO MACHINE WITH AEROCCINO PLUS.
I really like cappuccinos and lattes!
I should ask Santa for it!
I would love the CAPRESSO BLACK ESPRESSO AND CAPPUCCINO MACHINE- a girl’s gotta dream, right?
It seems so silly to own and at $99.99, it’s not exactly cheap, but I can’t help wanting that double Belgian waffle maker!
A Vitamix blender would definitely complete my kitchen!
Actually, I was just talking about a dehydrator. But beyond that, probably a vitamix blender.
Definitely the Frieling Zenker Non-stick 11″ Tart Pan.
I would really love to have a kitchenaid stand mixer. :)
They had so many gadgets it’s almost impossible to choose from! They have a number of different espresso makers, though, and I can never get enough coffee, so…
Nice to see you back!! I would love to win the dehydrator, I haven’t experimented with one yet. And as for other kitchen gadgets they sell… well, I’m longing for a vitamix. A girl can dream, right? :)
I like BigKitchen on facebook.
And I like you on FB too! Thanks for the awesome giveaway :)
oh, and following on twitter too!
I’d love the Vitamix from the Big Kitchen website–any of them, really.
I liked you on FB.
I liked Big Kitchen on FB.
I followed you on twitter.
I followed Big Kitchen on twitter.
I liked you on facebook!
Of course I’d love a Saeco automatic espresso machine! But any toaster oven or food processor would do.
I’m lucky enough to have a steamer oven, a normal oven, an ice cream maker, a rice cooker, and a variety of other small things, but what I’d really, really like is to have a food dehydrator. I’ve been looking forward to buying one so much! Oh, and a blender that actually works would be nice too
So many cool things! My guilty wish to try though is the Bodum Travel Press Coffee Maker…..
Liked you on FB!
What a fantastic giveaway. Dehydrating food always makes me think of my father and homemade beef jerky and fruit leathers! Big Kitchen has so much variety it’s difficult to pick one favorite thing. I love all the back to school containers, especially the stainless steal. And I certainly would love to have a set of their Le Creuset ramekins!
Desperately in need of proper food processor.
Besides a dehydrator, I would love to have a vitamix blender! I feel like I’m missing out bigtime!
Liked BigKitchen on Facebook
Liked Munchin with Munchkin on Facebook
Followed BigKitchen on Twitter
Followed Munchin with Munchkin on Twitter
I need the KitchenAid immersion blender!
I would love to have the vitamix!
I Like BigKitchen on Facebook
I Like Munchin with Munchkin on Facebook
I Follow BigKitchen on Twitter
I Follow Munchin with Munchkin on Twitter
I would love to have and the dehydrator and also a vitamix anything will help me to make wholesome natural food for my family
I’d absolutely love to have a vitamix!! thanks for the giveaway :)
I think the Bialetti Caffe Concerto Espresso Machine is neat
liked big kitchen on facebook
I think I have the basic daily cooking conveniences covered, but amongst the things that I think would take me to the next level are a pressure cooker (useful especially here in the Rockies), a sous vide machine and of COURSE a food dehydrator. Thanks!
Also, I followed BigKitchen on Twitter. Woo!
And I follow Munchin with Munchkin on Twitter.
I’d love to have the Calphalon Small Electrics Brushed Stainless Steel Removable Plate Grill to make paninis.
I Like BigKitchen on Facebook.
I Like Munchin with Munchkin on Facebook.
I Follow BigKitchen on Twitter.
I Follow Munchin with Munchkin on Twitter.
I’d go for the Cuisinart PowerBlend Duet Food Processor and Blender!
I like the All-Clad Stainless Steel Non-Stick Electric Griddle!
I follow Big Kitchen on facebook as rust hawk.
I am following you on facebook as rust hawk.
I am following big kitchen on twitter @rusthawk
I am following you on twitter @rusthawk. thank you for the wonderful giveaway!
I would love the Waring Pro food dehydrator!
I like BigKitchen on FB!
I like Munchin with Munchkin on Facebook!
silicone muffin pans
I Like Munchin with Munchkin on Facebook
I Follow BigKitchen on Twitter
I Follow Munchin with Munchkin on Twitter
In addition to that lovely dehydrator, I would love a set of microplanes!!!
Of course, the food dehydrator would be my first choice!
Liked BigKitchen on Facebook!
Liked Munchin with Munchkin on Facebook, too!
Following BigKitchen on Twitter!
Following you on Twitte, toor!
I’d love a new toaster…the Breville Die-Cast Two Slice Toaster looks perfect!
Following big kitchen on twitter. :)
Folliwing munching on twitter :)
I would definitely get a new cuisinart food processor since my last one died on me. :-)
I follow you on Facebook.
I follow Big Kitchen on Facebook.
Thank you for this post. I have been meaning to get dehydrator for some time and it keeps slipping my mind (age does that, well, age and kids…). The site is awesome. Thanks again!
I would love a Vitamix Blender!
honestly, the one appliance that has been on my list is a dehydrator! so, that’s what i would pick! but i hope i win it and don’t have to. :) thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to have a high quality espresso machine like the JURA-CAPRESSO IMPRESSA C9 ONE TOUCH AUTOMATIC COFFEE CENTER from BigKitchen! My husband would be even more thrilled :)
I liked BigKitchen on Facebook.
I liked Munchin with Munchkin on Facebook.
I’m now following Munchnmunchkin on Twitter.
I’m now following BigKitchen on Twitter.
Anything Le Crueset, however a nice casserole dish would be wonderful.
Thanks for a great giveaway.
i dream of a dehydrater!! also the all clad saute pan is another dream =) so glad i found this blog! thx im so excited to try your recipes!
big kitchen liked on facebook!
munchinwithmunchkin liked on facebook!
I desperately need a rice cooker! And a dehydrator would be pretty cool too!
The Breville Electronic Smart Grill with Removable Plates sounds like a must-have!
Food dehydrator awesome giveaway. I liked both you and big kitchen on fb.
Any of the All-Clad cookware!
I think we could get a lot of use out of the Calphalon Electric Stainless Steel Panini Grill!
I follow BigKitchen on twitter (@channynn).
Following you on twitter! (@channynn).
I would LOVE this dehydrator so I can make awesome dehydrated fruit and nut bars as wells a fruit crepes! I would also love a vitamix from Big Kitchen!
I liked munchin with munchkin on facebook!
I’m following munchin with munchkin on twitter!
I’m following Big Kitchen on twitter!
I liked Big Kitchen on facebook!
liked you on FB! Love your blog by the way. It’d be great to win the food dehydrator!
If I could try anything from the BigKitchen website, it would have to be the “All-Clad Copper-Core 14 Piece Cookware Set!” I could also use the food dehydrator, thanks for for the giveaway!
heaventaste @ hotmail dot com
I looked over Big Kitchen.com and I would love to get the Delonghi espresso & cappucino machine (in red). It would go with the rest of our appliances. We need a way to make cappucinos at home!
I like Big Kitchen on Facebook!
FB ID: Marla Ross-Schad
heaventaste @ hotmail dot com
I like “Munchin with Munchkin” on Facebook!
FB ID: Marla Ross-Schad
heaventaste @ hotmail dot com
Following @BigKitchenStore on Twitter!
@Marseepan
heaventaste @ hotmail dot com
Following @munchnmunchkin on Twitter!
@Marseepan
heaventaste @ hotmail dot com
I would love the BREVILLE BRUSHED STAINLESS STEEL TWO SLICE PANINI PRESS
I follow Munchin with Munchkin on Facebook!
I follow Munchin with Munchkin on Twitter!
I have done the following:
Like BigKitchen on Facebook and comment below that you liked them.
Like Munchin with Munchkin on Facebook and comment below that you’ve liked my page
Follow BigKitchen on Twitter and comment below that you follow them
Follow Munchin with Munchkin on Twitter and comment below that you follow me
So much great stuff on their website! I suppose I’d pick the Vitamix professional blender if it came down to it. :) This dehydrator looks great too. I’d love to make dried fruit snacks for my kiddos. winterwrens at gmail dot com
I want their Camerons Gourmet Edition Stainless Steel Mini Stovetop Smoker
I would love their Emile Henry Flame Red Ceramic Round Dutch Oven!
A vitamix would be awesome!
I would love to have the DeLonghi Brushed Stainless Steel Bread Maker! What a nice machine! :) Thanks for the awesome giveaway! :)
I like BK on FB.
I like Munchin with Munchkin on FB.
I follow BK on Twitter.
I’m following you on Twitter!
They have so many good things on their site I want, but Ive had my eye on the Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker- maybe santa will bring it
I Like BigKitchen on Facebook
I Like Munchin with Munchkin on Facebook
I Follow BigKitchen on Twitter
I Follow Munchin with Munchkin on Twitter
It was love at first sight with for me the DeLonghi Lattissima Red Capsule Espresso and Cappuccino Machine. The function, the design, the possibilities. A strong coffee and steamed milk is one of my favorite beverages.
I would love the Cuisinart Elite Collection 14 Cup Die Cast Food Processor.
I would love the Cuisinart Elite Collection 14 Cup Die Cast Food Processor
I would love to have a KitchenAid Artisan Series Candy Apple Red Stand Mixer with Glass Bowl, 5 Quart. I bought my mother a Kitchen Aid mixer last Christmas but have never owned one myself.
callawishes(at)hotmail(dot)com
Liked Big Kitchen on Facebook as Sherrie Cruson
callawishes(at)hotmail(dot)com
Like Munchin with Munchkin on Facebook as Sherrie Cruson
callawishes(at)hotmail(dot)com
Follow BigKitchen on Twitter as Grannylove38
callawishes(at)hotmail(dot)com
Following ‘Munchin with Munchkin’ on Twitter @Grannylove38
callawishes(at)hotmail(dot)com
Well, I’m too late for the contest, and I have a food dehydrator. I wanted to comment on the recipe. It looks fantastic! I would use gluten free rolled oats and change nothing else to make a wonderful gluten free granola. Thank you!
Hi: I just followed Big Kitchen & Munchinwithmunchkin on Twitter : ) : ) ! I’d LOVE to win the dehydrator!
Thank you for the opportunity!
Denise
Great recipe. Looks delicious. Thanks for sharing.
That looks delicious!! I’ve never tried to make granola myself, but I’ll definitely give this one a shot!
Thanks for a granola recipe without tons of sugar. So many of the recipes out there I reject because they are too sweet and I stick to the one my family loves which is lower in oils and sweetners. I am always looking for variety so I will give this one a try.
Thanks
It is sad to be late for this contest. But congratulations on your winning the Hommies 2012 Recipe Blog.