Can you tell that I recently got a crazy huge bag of pecans from my parents?
Pecans are great, but Texas pecans are the greatest. I have become quite the pecan snob, which is a lot to say since ’twas but a few years ago that I claimed to hate the things. Thank goodness for maturing taste buds, because I just don’t think my life was complete prior to my pecan love.
It’s true. I mean it.
Anyway, granola is not something that I normally love to eat in anything other than yogurt. I don’t know why, but I adore the crunch I get when eating it in creamy Greek yogurt, but milk does nothing for me. Eating it straight out of the bag (or pan) does nothing for me. But yogurt? I’ll take seconds or thirds pleaseandthankyou!
The great thing about this batch is that it’s simple and packs a ton of orange flavor. Plus it kind of reminds me of those orange cinnamon rolls that you can get from Pillsbury (aka the greatest prepackaged cinnamon rolls on earth).
P.S. While we’re on the subject of those did you know they existed? Orange cinnamon rolls that is? When I was in college my two roommates and I played club volleyball, which basically meant we could extend our glory days from high school without the bureaucracy of officially playing for the university. On our way to Houston for a tournament Kristin and I were going on and on and on about how much we loved the orange cinnamon rolls and how her mom was going to make them for us when we got there. Emily? Emily didn’t believe that they existed. The entire weekend she never believed they existed. And then the morning we had them at Kristin’s house she (Emily) swore up and down that her mom had mixed orange juice into the frosting and the the cinnamon rolls never existed.
But they do. And they’re alive again in granola form!
ORANGE & TOASTED PECAN GRANOLA
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup oil (I used coconut oil, but you could use vegetable or canola)
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- zest from two oranges
Preheat oven to 325. In a large bowl combine the oats and pecan halves. In a saucepan combine the maple syrup, honey, oil, and cinnamon and bring to a boil. Pour immediately over the oats and pecans in a large bowl and toss to combine. Spread mixture into a 9×13 pan coated with nonstick spray. Bake at 325 for 45-60 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes. You want the pecans and oats to toast but not burn. Meanwhile spread the orange zest over some parchment paper on a small plate. Microwave for 30 seconds; this should make the zest harder and flakier. Set aside, and then toss with the hot granola once it’s done baking. Devour.
Yes on the orange cinnamon rolls & yes on the granola in Greek yogurt! Love this!
And ya know, I don’t know if I have ever tried Texas pecans! Only ones from Georgia!
This looks wonderful and I bet your home smelled amazing! I’m co-hosting a bloghop this month and the flavor of the month is “citrus”. Your recipe would be a great one to link up and share if you are interested. 🙂
Happy Anniversary!
Wow this looks so delicious, lovely pictures! I’m so glad I came across your blog, I absolutely adore it! Consider me your newest follower! xoxo
I don’t know why, but I’ve never made granola. I need to get on that! This looks SO tasty.
this is calling my name
I love making granola…thanks for sharing this recipe
MMMMMMMM, so light, fruity and nutty! A must try!
Orange with pecans in granola is something I never would’ve thought of myself but sounds absolutely delicious to me! Thanks for sharing!
Orange rolls were the best. Way better than the plain cinnamon rolls. I’m always on the look out for a new granola recipe, and this is a winner. Also delicious with orange and pecans? The cranberries I’m going to add to the granola.
Mmmm. I’ve been playing with the idea of an orange-flavored granola, and love the addition of pecans!
I keep meaning to make granola for my family, but still haven’t done it. This recipe looks fantastic – bookmarking.
Your granola looks fab! Being the only pecan eater in the house…..I could cherish every bite and not feel guilty about not sharing. 🙂 Great recipe Heather!
I’ve been looking for a new granola recipe! I can’t wait to try this…it looks so good! Pecans are my new favorite nut right now 🙂
All I have to say is, YES YES YES. Awesome flavor combination!!! I bet this has such a refreshing zing to it. Yu-um. 🙂
I agree about granola! Only in yogurt, milk weirds me out.
I thought I was the only one who felt that way about granola! In yogurt or sometimes sprinkled on top of oatmeal, I like it. By itself out of the bag? No, thanks. I can think of many better things to eat out of the bag. Like chocolate covered pretzels 😉 Glad I’m not the only one!
oh my – now this looks really good. I LOVE pecans although I do not know if I know the difference of pecans from different regions. What makes Texas ones better?
I also love that you used maple syrup. I have never made granola but keep telling myself I want to. New Year Resolution? Yours is great and I love the orange.
This looks and sounds so delicious and healthy! YUM!