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Homemade granola and a healthy New Year's resolution
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Photo by: Courtney Monigold
Ah yes…it’s the new year and we are all probably contemplating what our New Year’s resolution should be. Some of us may be looking for a fresh start to our diets, especially after the over indulgence during the holiday season.
While I am not a nutritionist, I do know that it’s important to start your day off with a healthy breakfast. I know most of us are just trying to get ready and out the door for work in the morning but I found a way to get my breakfast in by making homemade granola. The best part is it’s easy, it’s healthy…and most importantly it’s good.
My Bon Appetit Magazine even suggested making your own granola as part of it's ‘going green’ segment. I like being green, but what I like best about making my own granola is that I control what goes in it…not to mention you don’t get all those preservatives. Plus, most of you may have these ingredients in your pantry.
An added bonus to making your own granola for those of you with nut allergies is that you don’t have to put nuts in it. (If you look on the side of granola cereal or bars they all say “May contain traces of nuts.” YIKES!)
I didn’t even consider making homemade granola until my husband and I went on an anniversary trip to Kenwood Inn and Spa in Sonoma, California. They served this every morning with fresh homemade yogurt (note to self: I must learn to make my own yogurt next). It was so amazing I knew that the second I got home I was going to begin making this myself…and let me tell you…I have made it every week since my return and it’s something I never tire of. So this is an easy resolution to stick to.
So here is a great recipe…for a great start to 2009!
Coco’s Homemade Granola
3 Cups of Oats (not instant)
½ T Wheat Germ
¾ Nuts (such as Slivered Almonds or chopped pecans) I used a mixture of both
½ Sunflower seeds
1 tablespoon Cinnamon (I don’t know about you but I'm wild about cinnamon and its good for you, so I added 2 tablespoons.)
1 t. Vanilla (I’m not shy on vanilla, feel free to add a ½ t. more)
¼ t. Kosher Salt
1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (optional-I used it)
2 tablespoons Honey
2 tablespoons Canola Oil
½ cup Pure maple Syrup (Grade A Dark Amber) Spare yourself the disappointment and please don’t use the processed junk.
1 cup Dried Fruits—reserve. (I have used dried cherries, blueberries, raisins, dates.) Use whatever you like, or even a combination)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease pan, OR you can use parchment paper. I use a silpat.
In a large bowl combine: Oats, wheat germ, nuts, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, salt.
In another bowl combine: Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Honey, Canola Oil, and Maple Syrup.
Add the liquid mixture to the dry mixture. Stir until combined. Spread on baking sheet and cook for 30-40 minutes. Stirring occasionally. (This allows the mixture to brown evenly and great that nice light crunch).
Cool on wire rack, breaking up any large chunks/pieces while warm. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator to keep fresh for several weeks.
Add the dried fruits once mixture is cooked and cooled.
Makes 5 cups
Top with low-fat yogurt for a great breakfast or treat!
Looking for something...more indulgent for breakfast? Try my Italian fried egg sandwich.
For more info: If you are looking for a great place to buy the nuts and dried fruits, try Trader Joe. They have a great selection and they have very reasonably prices.
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