- Lara Flanagan
Loaded Granola

Spring is in the air. I have let my fire go out, and I am starting to daydream about Sunday morning breakfasts on my back deck. These daydreams have included granola. As a celebration of the warmer weather and the appearance of blossoms all over Tenterfield, I decided to make granola out of whatever I had in my cupboards. Luckily I had quite a few sensational ingredients, and the result was spectacular.
This granola is super easy as it is just a matter of chopping the ingredients where necessary, combining everything in a large saucepan or bowl, then baking in the oven until you have reached your preferred granola colour. I like mine on the toasty, crunchy side, so check regularly after 40 minutes in the oven.
Loaded Granola
Preheat a fan-forced oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
4 cups rolled oats
½ cup craisins - dried cranberries
½ cup dried apricots – roughly diced
½ cup dried apples – roughly diced
½ cup sultanas
½ cup pepitas (pumpkin seed kernels)
½ cup hemp seeds
½ cup walnuts – roughly chopped
½ cup dried, pitted dates – roughly chopped
½ cup coconut sugar
3 tablespoons maple syrup
200 ml of your favourite juice – I used fresh orange juice
Combine all ingredients in a bowl or large pot.
Pour into a baking dish.
Bake in the oven for 40 – 60 minutes. Make sure you regularly check after 40 minutes to prevent burning.