Omar’s Honey Nut Granola

This recipe a tribute to Omar, my very favorite character from The Wire (the best ever show created for television). Not so long ago, my fiancé and I worked our way through all five riveting and intensely captivating seasons of The Wire and developed a deep fondness for Omar and his penchant for what he dubbed “Honey Nut,” being Honey Nut Cheerios. For those of you who haven’t seen The Wire (and are thus truly missing out on what defines good television), imagine a street tough gangster with a six inch scar across his face and more bullet holes in his body than one can count, with a soft spot for this classic kids’ cereal. You just can’t not love Omar.

Honey Nut Cheerios in granola, why didn’t I think of it before? It makes perfect sense, that sweet golden honey, crunchy nuts, and rich flavor of my childhood. It came to me in a flash of inspiration (no doubt fueled by a longing to re-watch the entire series of The Wire but who can really say?) and I knew I had to make it immediately. Granola is, after all, a great breakfast option, so why not combine it with Honey Nut Cheerios?

Ingredients: (one small batch, 4 to 6 servings)

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup Honey Nut Cheerios

1/3 cup honey

1/2 cup almonds (raw)

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons coconut oil (or canola oil)

1/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup dried sweetened cranberries

Directions: Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Start with the oats, salt and almonds.

Combine them in a mixing bowl and set aside.

On low heat, melt the coconut oil. Once melted, mix it with the honey. If you decide to use canola oil, skip this step and simply whisk the oil with the honey.

 

I couldn’t resist having a little fun with the honey.

 

Turned out to be a generous 1/3 of a cup! Even sweeter!

After whisking the oil and honey together, pour it over the dry ingredients and mix until well coated.

Spread evenly on a parchment lined or sprayed baking pan. Bake for 12 minutes (stir the granola at the 8 min mark), until fragrant and golden brown.

I was tempted to lick the pan. Somehow, I managed to resist.

Allow the granola to cool slightly and then work in the dried fruit while still slightly warm. Serve some right away or allow to cool completely.

Now turn off those terrible, regular weeknight shows you watch (ahem, Bones and CSI:Miami) and start watching The Wire. It will change your life.

Other posts you may enjoy:

1. Coconut, Chocolate, Cherry Granola
2. Smooth Yogurt with Crunchy Granola and Honey
3. Charoset
4. Peanut Butter Oat and Fruit Bars
5. Oh Honey! I like it RAW!

Tagged as: almonds, breakfast, dried cranberries, food, granola, health food, healthy recipes, healthy snacks, honey nut cheerios, nuts, raisins, snacks, sweets, vegan, vegetarian