This homemade ‘granola blend’ features my Nonna’s nutmeg flavored candied walnuts; as well as dried apples, almonds, apricots and cranberries. A treat filled bicycle basket sure makes a day exploring fun for all!
Monterey Bay is the perfect environment for long healthy bike rides. Have you tried the new technology regarding electric bikes? These are a game changer! The electric bikes allows all ages and all skill levels to enjoy a scenic bike ride. Fill a thermos with fresh strawberry lemonade and take a container of homemade granola. In Book One of the Huckleberry Hill Adventure Series, The Wild Buck, the strawberry lemonade is a favorite beverage for book characters Molly and Fern!
I hope to see you April 20-23, 2023 to celebrate The Sea Otter Classic at Monterey Bay. It is held each year at the amazing Laguna Seca Raceway.
Information can be found at the Sea Otter Classic site. Family day is on Sunday, all children are VIP’s. On Sunday adults (up to 2 per child) get in free. Every day of the event, children under 12 enter free. The Sea Otter Club (with the purchase of a VIP pass at $195.00 per day) offers a luxurious environment to enjoy including; complimentary breakfast and gourmet coffee, sophisticated daily lunch buffet and complimentary Sierra Nevada beer, non-alcoholic beer, wine and Proud Source water served with lunch.
At Huckleberry Hill, we developed a ‘Sea Otter Classic’ version of this deliciously addictive granola blend (inspired by my Nonna’s candied walnuts).
Personally, I have a long history and love of bikes! As a child, our friends all stayed out until dusk most evenings riding around Del Monte Forest. I believe that’s a childhood memory that most people share. Reach out, via my contact page, and share your retro memories of bikes, friends and good vibes. I love to hear stories.
I recall that when my Nonna Frances made these walnuts, she would package a handful and I would stash them in my bike basket. With my tasseled handlebars and basket of filled treats, I canvased the neighborhood for hours, taking in the flora and fauna of the evergreen forest.
-INSPIRATION-
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” –Albert Einstein
I hope this granola makes way into your family picnic basket. This homemade blend is really simple to make and smells so good! Once you have made ‘from scratch’ granola, and realize how easy the process is, I promise you will never go for store bought versions. This will be your ‘go-to’ granola recipe.
Feel free to change out the nuts, dried fruits for what you have on hand or to suit your taste. Beyond that, I would be thrilled if your shared your favorite granola recipe with me. I can be reached at huckleberryhilladventure@gmail.com.
See you on the bike path!
Huckleberry Hugs, Maxine (A.K.A. “Molly”)
-HOMEMADE GRANOLA-
A perfectly mobile snack for a scenic bike ride.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 c. old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 c. sliced almonds
- 4 c. walnuts (set aside- you will candy these nuts separately then mix in.)
- 1 TBSP. flax seeds
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 3/4 tsp. sea salt (I use a high quality Sicilian Sea Salt; this gives a depth of flavor.)
- 1/3 c. brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 c. good quality maple syrup or organic local honey (use what you have on hand)
- 1/3 c. melted butter
- 2 tbsp. hot water
- 2 tsp. good quality vanilla extract (I happen to have wonderful vanilla that I just purchased from Mexico.)
- 1/3 c. dried cranberries (hold, mix this in after baking)
- 1/3 diced dried apricots (hold, mix this in after baking)
- 1/3 c. dried apples with skin on (for added fiber and crunch) (hold, mix this in after baking)
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Combine dry ingredients and spices except the walnuts, apricots and cranberries.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup (or honey), melted butter, hot water, and vanilla extract.
- Spread across the parchment lined baking sheet into an even layer. Bake for 30 minutes, stir/shake every 10 minutes. Remove from the oven add the dried cranberries, dried apple pieces and diced dried apricots over top. At this point make the walnuts, you will add this to your granola!
-Nonna’s Candied Walnuts Recipe-
These are HIGHLY ADDICTIVE and perfect for gift giving or parties. ENJOY!
Ingredients
- 4 C. raw walnuts
- 2 organic egg whites
- 1/3 C. granulated sugar
- 1/3 C. packed brown sugar
- 1 TBS cinnamon
- 1 TBS ground nutmeg
- Generous pinch of sea salt (use a high quality for taste balance)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until frothy. Gradually spoon in sugar, beating until well combined. Fold in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and sea salt. Add walnuts nuts and coat evenly with mixture. Spread in a layer on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Check several times while baking to break up any large clusters. Remove from oven wile warm sprinkle and press one third of this nut mixture onto your granola, similar to how you added the dried apple/cranberries/apricots. The remaining walnuts can be stored for snacking, topping salads or gift giving in an airtight container!
