Making a big batch of hearty granola is a great way to satisfy breakfast and snacking needs and proves endlessly versatile while on the road. Throw in a handful of dark chocolate chips to turn into a trail mix, perfect for keeping hunger at bay while you’re out and about. This granola is also ideal for turning fresh fruit you discover on your travels into a delicious dessert. We’ve used cherries here, but grilled peaches, apricots, blueberries, or any fresh, seasonal bounty would work amazingly well.
To turn your Go-Everywhere Granola into your Go-Everywhere Trail Mix, simply add 1/4 cup (60 mL) mini dairy-free chocolate chips, and hit the trails.
To make the most of a fruitful bounty, and to add an extra dimension of flavour, use a mixture of sour and sweet cherries—and don’t forget to pack a cherry pitter!
Per serving:
Preheat oven to 325 F (160 C).
In large bowl, combine oats, almonds, hemp hearts, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper.
In small bowl, combine maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, cardamom, and cinnamon. Pour wet ingredients over oat mixture and mix until well combined.
Line baking sheet with parchment paper and spread mixture evenly overtop. If you like your granola chunky, press mixture with a spatula before baking. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until oats and almonds have turned deep golden brown. Remove baking sheet from oven, add cranberries, and stir occasionally while granola cools completely. Pack granola in sealed container.
To make crumble, place cherries in appropriately sized cast iron skillet. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and granola. Cover and bake in preheated 350 F (180 C) oven for 20 minutes, or over the hot coals of a campfire, until juices are bubbling. Remove cover and bake for a further 5 minutes.