This week I went to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with my friend/cousin-in-law, Ro. Ro just graduated from medical school and has some time off before he starts his residency, so we decided to go on a spontaneous little road trip. We started out in Sequoia, stopping to marvel at the giant trees and then made our way over to Kings Canyon. I had been to Sequoia before, and the trees are definitely spectacular, but I had no idea how breathtaking Kings Canyon was. It reminded me of Yosemite, but without the crowds.
I wanted to keep breakfast simple for this trip, since we only had a couple of days to explore both parks. I made granola at home the day before we left specifically for the trip, but my family found it. Everyone started munching on it that night and commenting on how good it was. By morning when I went to pack it, it was gone! Ro and I had to bring instant oatmeal with us camping instead.
Though you can certainly buy some pretty good granola at any grocery store, it’s so worth making it yourself. It takes less than ten minutes to combine all the ingredients, and then you can relax (or pack for your camping trip) while it bakes. Your whole house will smell amazing.
I’ve been making variations of granola for years. This version is made with almonds, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds. It’s sweetened with a combination of dark brown sugar and honey. My favorite way to eat it is with yogurt and fruit, but its great with milk, or you can eat it like trail mix.
Almond Flax Granola
Yield
About 5 cupsPrep Time / Cook Time
/Activity Guide
Backpacking, Bike Touring, Car Camping, Day TripIngredients
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup flaxseeds
Tools
- Large bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Small pot
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment or silicone baking mat
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325° F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, oil, and salt. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is hot and just starts to bubble. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, almonds, sunflower, and flax seeds. Stir in the sugar mixture to coat.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and bake, stirring every 15 minutes, until the granola is golden (about 45 minutes). Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let cool completely.
Hey Aim and colleagues! Well I’m keen on baking up some granola however where do I find flaxseeds? Local grocer?
Also because a bachelor doesn’t know what a “Parchment or silicone baking mat” is, would tin foil on a pan be suffice?
Websites as great as ever and slowly making its way up on my Bookmarks TOP TEN.
-S
Hi Sean,
You can find flaxseeds at most grocery stores. If your grocery store doesn’t have them, Trader Joe’s or any natural foods store definitely will.
If you don’t have parchment, I would just grease a baking sheet with butter or cooking spray. Then when you take it out of the oven, make sure to stir the granola right away so that it doesn’t stick.
this stuff is amazing. well done.
I bought one bag at the Artshow and regretted it afterward. I should have bought 10. This is so good! I’m happy that I’ll be making them myself now 🙂
The Dirty Gourmet: I’m planning a trip to the Dry Tourtugas for my 60th Birthday and ran across your site, what a great persona and great information! I’ve been a backpacker, camper, & wild life lover all my life. Food on outings have been an afterthought, …just something to get something in the stomach. On my 60th I deserve better! So there’s your site! I’m hooked. So, I’m cooking up your recipe, and realized that I’m using cut oat and milled flaxseed cereal! I’m improvising and adapting, of course, and I still think it will taste great! Thanks so much for your site. Kim
Thanks for the comment Kim! And glad to hear you’re improvising. These recipes are definitely meant to be adapted. We’re totally jealous of your trip. Let us know if you come up with any variations of our recipes that we have to try.
How long will this stay fresh and how do you store it. Was thinking about using as a wedding favor.
This granola will make for a great wedding favor. We recommend storing in an airtight container or plastic bag. Ideally up to two weeks. We’ve heard of people keeping for much longer and it still being good but we can’t guarantee it. We aren’t disciplined enough to keep it around for very long!
Hint to recipe lovers………I found Whole Flax Seed at the Dollar Tree. If you have one in your area, check it out!