| Where do I begin writing about the secrets of baking | | | | intervals may be stretched out along with the total |
| gourmet granola? | | | | bake time as well. |
| This is a struggle for me. I want to share the wealth | | | | The second secret in developing the flavour of your |
| per se (of knowledge) about what makes a truly | | | | finished gourmet granola is the caramelization of the |
| wholesome and healthy granola but at the same | | | | sugars present in the mix. That's why you must be |
| there's that lurking thought of not wanting to give away | | | | careful to not let it overbrown or overbake. This will |
| all the secrets gleaned from many in kitchen | | | | result in a burnt sugar taste to your end product, |
| experiences and years of living. Oh what the heck, let's | | | | definitely not what you are seeking. |
| go for it. | | | | A third and equally important secret in making gourmet |
| So what does make a truly great granola? For sure, | | | | granola is premium quality ingredients. This will include |
| it's the flavour. And how does one get a full-bodied | | | | recently milled grains, nuts and seeds of ultimate |
| gourmet flavour from granola? Of primary importance | | | | freshness, fresh crop honey (not overly processed) |
| in the process is how it is baked. You will want to bake | | | | and good quality vegetable oil. Unless your living in the |
| your granola in a medium to slow oven. For purposes | | | | boonies, all of these ingredients should be readily |
| of clarification, a medium oven is 350 degrees F while | | | | available from a local farmer's market or bulk food or |
| a slow oven would be 250 to 300 degrees. Personally | | | | dry grocer's store. |
| I bake at 350, however this takes constant vigilance so | | | | To recap, that's baking time, taking care to ensure |
| the granola does not burn. 30 minutes of total bake | | | | even browning and using the freshest ingredients. Put |
| time with stirring at 10 minute intervals will ensure even | | | | all three of these secrets together and you too will |
| browning. If using a slower oven, then the stirring | | | | excel in your granola baking venture. |