Triple Play Walnut Crunch

Naming granola for a baseball play may seem like a first baseman’s stretch to get that runner out on first. But since last week (in another year) was opening of baseball season, it reminded me of some kids’ recipes I created for the California Walnut Board. Snacks were part of an educational series of activities designed around sports and healthy life style. The granola recipe suggests three different ways for kids to enjoy granola, hence the name. Another recipe for the promotion, Awesome Banana-Walnut Shake is still a regular favorite with my girls, along with Green Monster Dip. Hope you enjoy these recipes with some all-star fans!

Triple Play Walnut Crunch Granola

Three ways to serve this granola, or just eat it straight up with milk or yogurt!

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Ingredients

• 3 cups old-fashioned oats, uncooked
• 1-1/2 cups walnut pieces, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 3 Tbsp. honey
• 1-1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded or chip coconut, optional
• 1/2 cup golden or natural raisins

Instructions

• HEAT oven to 350°F. Spread oats and walnuts on a baking sheet that has a low rim, or use a roasting pan. Bake 8-10 minutes, stirring after 5 minutes, until the walnuts and oats smell toasted and start to brown
• WHILE oats and walnuts are toasting, combine brown sugar, oil, honey and cinnamon in a large bowl. Stir well.
• POUR hot oats and walnuts from the pan into the sugar mixture.  Add coconut, if using.  Stir all the ingredients together until evenly coated with the sugar mixture.  Oats will look dry.
• LINE the baking sheet with a piece of aluminum foil so it extends over the ends of the pan. If using foil, spray with cooking spray.
• SPREAD oat-walnut mixture on the baking sheet.  Bake 5 minutes. Remove from oven and stir. Bake additional 5-10 minutes until toasted and golden brown.  Remove from oven and stir in raisins. Cool completely on pan. Lift edges of parchment or foil and pour into an airtight container or plastic bag to store.

Course: Breakfast

* TIP:  Measure the honey in the spoon you used for oil — the honey will slip right off the spoon!           

TRIPLE PLAYS with Walnut Crunch

Grand Slam Berry Crisp 
Put fresh or frozen berries in a small bowl and top with a scoop of Walnut Crunch. Microwave 1 minute or until berries are warm and start to release juices. Serve with vanilla yogurt or ice cream.  Increase the time by one or two minutes if making more than one dish at a time.
Home Run Breakfast Cereal
Add fresh or dried fruit to a bowlful of All-Star Crunch. Top with yogurt or milk.
It’s-A-Steal Energy Mix
Combine Walnut Crunch with raisins, dried cranberries and apricots (or favorite dried fruits) and pack in a bag for a take-along energy snack.

An original recipe by Rosemary Mark for California Walnut Board. Photo by California Walnut Board.