Pam’s Granola
A much loved recipe with a story…
One of the small rituals we love at Jacob Cottage is leaving homemade granola for guests to enjoy during their stay. Over the years, so many people have asked for the recipe that we thought it deserved a place here on the journal. It’s hearty, lightly sweet, full of nuts and seeds and perfect with yoghurt and fresh fruit after a morning walk to Three Cliffs Bay.
But what makes it even more special is the story behind it.
Photo by Josh Aarons
The Story Behind the Recipe
Many years ago, while working for TOAST, I spent time on an Autumn/Winter photoshoot in Ireland. Looking after the crew was a wonderful Irish cook called Pam, who made the most delicious, nourishing food throughout the shoot — comforting soups, beautiful breads and simple meals that everyone gathered around after long days outdoors.
One of the things she made was this granola. We all became slightly obsessed with it.
After the shoot finished, people kept asking Pam for her recipes, and eventually they were collected together and published in a book called Pam’s Recipe Book. This granola recipe comes from that book, and I’ve been making it ever since. Now it’s become part of the welcome at Jacob Cottage too.
Pam’s Granola Recipe
Ingredients
330g oats
100g pecans
100g cashews
100g mixed seeds
120g light brown sugar
90g honey or agave syrup
4 tbsp sunflower or coconut oil
3 tbsp water
Pinch of ground cinnamon
Method
Preheat the oven to 115°C (fan oven).
Mix all of the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
In a saucepan, gently heat the sugar, honey, oil, water and cinnamon until fully combined.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly so everything is evenly coated.
Spread the granola mixture onto a baking tray.
Bake for around one hour, giving it a good stir halfway through.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight jar.
Slow Mornings at Jacob Cotttage
Served with thick yoghurt, fresh berries or simply eaten by the handful straight from the jar, this granola has become one of those small details guests remember from their stay.
There’s something lovely about beginning the day slowly - coffee brewing, woodland light coming through the windows and breakfast waiting after an early beach walk.
Simple things done well always feel special.
