Rocket Fuel Granola

 

This is some special granola, folks. Eating a bowl of Rocket Fuel Granola has the potential to provide you with the energy to tackle your toughest workouts, hardest adventures, and hectic days!

Perhaps that's partly hyperbole. During that backpacking trip, where I thought a solid breakfast each  morning was a good idea, I carried four pounds of granola on my back like a newbie. This seems like a terrible idea, especially since we didn't need two four-ounce bags of granola per person, per day, but on the days we ate it, we felt like we could hike for miles. This granola has sticking power, a claim to which I can personally attest. I've asked myself if I would bring it on future trips, and the answer is yes, only less of it.

Rocket Fuel Granola is not just good for hiking, though. Alex often eats it to fuel for his long runs, and we take it to the crag for a day of rock climbing. Unlike oatmeal, I can eat a bowl of this stuff for breakfast and not feel hungry until lunch, or even longer. Granola has long been my favorite breakfast cereal since I can't remember when. Most versions aren't even really healthy, save for the oats, because of its density, but I tend to favor it for its heartiness. Store-bought granola pales in comparison.


I first made this recipe the way it was intended, in bar form, using a recipe from Disgustingly Good. It's an incredibly simple recipe that lends itself to countless variations depending on your mood.

The main ingredients are old fashioned oats and condensed milk. The add-ins, nuts, dried fruit, and additional sweetener, can be changed up.

Mix the oats and nuts together in a large bowl. These are the only dry ingredients that get baked. I toss the cooked granola with the dried fruit and delicate dry goods to avoid drying out the fruit and hiding the other stuff.

Like the unsweetened flake coconut. Coconut in granola is my favorite, and I would suggest that you avoid sweetened coconut at all costs. Bob's Red Mill has decently priced flakes, and Whole Foods has a store brand. The coconut gets toasted separately.

To the dry ingredients, you'll add a can of sweetened condensed milk and two tablespoons of honey, maple syrup, or molasses, depending on what you have or the flavor you prefer. You're probably wondering if this makes a difference, and it does, especially the molasses.

The mixture is going to be a sticky mess. Turn out on a large parchment-lined baking for simple clean-up.

When it's done, after about 25-30 minutes, the granola should be evenly toasted. At this point, you'll mix all your stuff together.

And that's about it. Like I said, it's the simplest granola recipe I've made that yields perfect results each time. Unlike some other recipes I have on this site, which are still good, I turn to this one first. It travels well, and lasts a while. Eat it by hand or with a spoon.

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Rocket Fuel Granola

by Christine Provo

Recipe adapted from Disgustingly Good 

Print this recipe

 

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Ingredients

• 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 2 cups raw pepita seeds or nuts of choice (coarsely chop whole nuts)
• 1-2 cups currants or other dried fruit
• 2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons molasses or maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

1 - Preheat oven to 350°F. When heated, place coconut on a large baking sheet at toast just until pieces turn golden brown, about 5 minutes or so. Watch carefully and toss for even cooking. It is not necessary for each flake to be golden. Remove from baking sheet and set aside.

2 - Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss together the oats, pepita seeds (or other nut), and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pour in condensed milk and molasses, stirring until oats and nuts are evenly coated. Turn out onto prepared baking sheet in an even layer.

3 - Bake granola for 15 minutes. Toss with a spatula to break up clumps and to promote even baking. Bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until granola is evenly golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a large, clean bowl. Granola may still feel soft, but will harden as it cools.

4 - Toss granola with dried fruit and coconut until evenly combined. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container or large resealable plastic bag.

5 - Enjoy!

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