So in an effort to start the year
on a healthy note, I made granola.
This granola is a pretty healthy version – it is full of whole grain oats,
no salt nuts, a little healthy olive oil and does not have a ton of sugar. What is great about this recipe is you
can add whatever you want. If you
need a no-nut version – add more seeds, coconut and dried fruit. If you love nuts chock it full o’ nuts.
This granola is super fantastic
for breakfast with milk or yogurt (Greek yogurt is my favorite) or on it’s own
for a little afternoon pick-me-up.
I’ve made it so many times since
the new year began and here is how I made it.
Ingredients
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats –
I used large flakes
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup light tasting olive oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. cinnamon
Add In Ideas – use as many as you
wish or others that you can think of
1/4 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup sliced almonds, coarsely
chopped
1/4 cup cashews
1/4 cup pistachio nuts
1/4 cup shelled sunflower seeds
1/4 cup shelled pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
– I like the big flakes (in fact I put some in that toasted and then added more
raw at the end – but I really love coconut)
1/4 cup dried apricots, cut into
pieces
1/4 cup dried cranberries
Directions
Mix first five ingredients in a
bowl with whatever add ins you choose.
Place on foil lined baking sheet.
Bake 3500 for 15 to 20
minutes. Half way thought, stir up
and turn the baking sheet to ensure even baking.
Remove from oven and let cool on a
wire rack. Don’t forget if you
want to add more raw coconut now is the time to do so.
I think this recipe is a healthy
alternative BUT I provide this cautionary note -- it is quite addictive so if
you are someone who can’t control themselves and is trying to start the year on
a weight loss foot – don’t make it!
But if you do
make it, let me know what you added.
