How’s it going with your gift-buying this year? Aside from the play kitchen Santa is attempting to make for our little one (think old free entertainment center plus Pinterest-fueled aspirations), I’ve had my gift-buying wrapped up for weeks now.

I don’t really feel like I have it together, though. I mean, for one, there are still a gazillion things to do. Christmas came fast this year. And all that punctual Christmas gift buying really means is that I end up buying more stuff.

Hazelnut-Pistachio Granola with Cherries and Candied Ginger | Kitchen Treaty

Gosh, darling daughter, that officially-too-small hat looks like it’s squeezing your head! 30 seconds shopping upstairs in the guest-bedroom-turned gift-hiding room, and I emerge with the adorable hat and matching mittens that I picked up at a Black Friday super-sale.

It’s not like I can’t put a hat and mittens in her stocking, I mean, that would be blasphemy. So, on actual Christmas morning, hopefully she will also like the Hello Kitty topper and gloves I picked up as a replacement. And the bonus star-studded purple trapper hat that she was totally eyeing the other day at Target.

Though … she may need one of those in advance, too. It could snow!

Hazelnut-Pistachio Granola with Cherries and Candied Ginger | Kitchen Treaty

I’ve actually done a pretty good job of adhering to the want, need, wear, read rule (thank you again, Pinterest) – but it doesn’t really help curb excess gift-buying when the Toy Story DVD that filled the “want” category came out early during a weak moment. Though I do think she’ll love the fancy fire truck she’s getting in its stead.

Receiving, I guess, is much simpler than giving. And one of my very favorite gifts to receive – premature or otherwise – are of the edible variety. And this homemade granola with hazelnuts, pistachios, cherries, and candied ginger would fit the bill just fine.

Hazelnut-Pistachio Granola with Cherries and Candied Ginger | Kitchen Treaty

I love giving homemade granola as a little Christmas gift. I think it’s a welcome reprieve from cookies and candy (don’t get me wrong, I love cookies and candy, but I think you know what I mean). It’s perfect because it makes a great grab-and-go, heathy(ish) snack or breakfast during this frenzied time of year.

I am particularly obsessed with this creation, though. It started out as simply cherry and hazelnut granola, but then I just had to add some salty, roasted pistachios. But the last-minute-addition that really makes it is the candied ginger. The candied ginger has pretty much clinched this one as my Christmas go-to granola, forevermore.

Hazelnut-Pistachio Granola with Cherries and Candied Ginger | Kitchen Treaty

This recipe is smaller-batch than many granola recipes – it results in about 6 cups, filling three 16-ounce mason jars. So be sure to double or triple it if you’re making a bunch for gifts. Just be sure you have the cookie sheets to support the operation! Each batch will take up about one cookie sheet.

Or, you know what? Forget all of that, and just make a batch and keep it all for yourself. Consider it a delicious little respite from the whirlwind that is holiday gifting.

More Granola Recipes

Hazelnut, Cherry, and Pistachio Granola | Kitchen Treaty
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Hazelnut-Pistachio Granola with Dried Cherries and Candied Ginger

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Author: Kare
Yield: 6 cups
Tart cherries, hazelnuts, salty pistachios, and zingly little bits of candied ginger make this crunchy, easy granola sing. Put it in mason jars and give it away as Christmas gifts! Or keep it all for yourself. Either way, it’s all good.
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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup shelled (roasted and salted pistachios)
  • 1 cup dry roasted hazelnuts (lightly chopped)
  • 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
  • 3/4 cup dried cherries (lightly chopped)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped candied ginger

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • To a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the maple syrup, vegetable oil, butter, and cinnamon. Stir occasionally until butter is melted and ingredients are combined. Stir in the cinnamon
  • In a large bowl, toss together the rolled oats, pistachios, hazelnuts, and coconut.
  • Pour the maple syrup mixture over the oats and nuts, and with a wooden spoon, toss until evenly coated.
  • Line a large rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  • Spread granola on cookie sheets and bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the granola turns golden brown.
  • Let cool, then mix in the dried fruit.
  • Store in an airtight container (it should keep for up to a month at room temperature).

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