Ahwahnee Granola

Jason Hill

3 years ago

Taste of Yosemite: Recreate the Ahwahnee Hotel’s Granola at Home

Ever craved a breakfast that’s both delicious and packed with wholesome ingredients? Look no further than the famed granola recipe from the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, nestled amidst the majestic granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park. This homemade granola is not only bursting with flavor and texture, but it’s also surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen.

In this post, we’ll guide you through every step of making the Ahwahnee Granola, from gathering the necessary ingredients to achieving that perfect golden-brown, nutty crunch. We’ll also share some delicious serving suggestions to turn your granola into a truly delightful breakfast or snack experience. So, get ready to embark on a culinary journey to Yosemite, with the warm, comforting flavors of the Ahwahnee Granola right at your fingertips!

What You’ll Need:

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients:

Base: 10 oz. rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
Nuts:
- 4 oz. sliced almonds
- 2 1/2 oz. coarsely chopped walnuts
- 2 1/2 oz. hazelnuts
Dried Fruits:
- 1 oz. golden raisins
- 1 oz. purple raisins
- 1 oz. sun-dried cranberries
- 1 oz. diced dates
- 1 oz. dried apricots
- 1 oz. sun-dried cherries

Simple Steps to Granola Perfection:

Now, let’s get started on creating your homemade Ahwahnee Granola:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Toast the Oats: Spread the rolled oats evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Toast for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Toast the Nuts: While the oats are toasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts. Toast for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly browned. Watch closely to avoid burning, as nuts can burn quickly.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted oats, toasted nuts, and all the dried fruits.
Mix and Bake: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix gently until everything is evenly coated. Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before storing it in an airtight container. This will help it maintain its crispiness.

Serving Up Deliciousness: Enjoying Your Homemade Granola

The beauty of homemade granola lies in its versatility. Here are a few ways to enjoy your Ahwahnee-inspired granola:

Classic and Simple: Pair it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and your favorite fresh berries for a protein-packed and refreshing breakfast.
Oatmeal Booster: Add a generous scoop to your bowl of oatmeal for an extra dose of flavor and texture.
Parfait Perfection: Layer granola with yogurt, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a visually stunning and delicious parfait.
Trail Mix Treat: Pack some granola in your bag for a healthy and energizing snack on the go.
Baking Bliss: Use your granola as a topping for muffins, yogurt cakes, or even ice cream sundaes for an irresistible textural and flavorful twist.

Tips and Tricks for Granola Success

Freshness is Key: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Opt for nuts that are whole and haven’t been sitting on the shelf for too long.
Don’t Overmix: Once you’ve combined the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is coated. Overmixing can lead to a dense and chewy granola, rather than the desired light and crispy texture.
Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits, nuts, and spices to create your own unique granola flavor profile.

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