This recipe from Chowhound is my go-to for simple granola.  I like mine plain, but if you prefer, add fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips.  This recipe is pretty perfect as it is, but I’d like to share some tips on how to make it.

After preheating the oven to 300 degree, place parchment paper over your baking sheets.  This step is not in the original recipe but makes a big difference for clean-up (lesson learned after two batches).  Gather your dry ingredients (oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt) and combine them in a large bowl.

In a smaller bowl, mix the wet ingredients (honey, canola oil, and vanilla extract).

Pour the combined wet ingredients into the larger bowl with the dry ingredients.  I prefer to mix by hand to make sure the ingredients (especially the honey) are combined evenly.  Once done, pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 15 minutes.  Be sure to take the time to mix your granola after 15 minutes, before baking another 5-10 minutes until it becomes golden brown (see right photo).

While the granola cools, prepare your gift jar.  I’ve been waiting for a chance to use this Japanese print fabric tape that I found at Daiso (see other cute prints here, here, and here).  Simply wrap it around a smooth jar (like these) and you have a festive gift jar that can be re-used by its recipient.  These little added touches (like a glitter monogram sticker) are my favorite part.

Once the granola is cool, wrap the sides of the parchment paper inward and use your fingers to break it up into smaller pieces.  The granola tends to dry in larger clumps, which are nice to eat but hard to get into the container.  Next, make a funnel out of the parchment paper and slowly pour it into your jar.  All done!  I like to make two batches at a time — one to give away and one to keep.

All photos original to RevolvingDecor.com.

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