The morning is abuzz with frantic activity. Everyone is up and about and doing something. There is music floating from one room and the sounds of off key singing, unbeknownst to the singer, trailing from another shower. The almost rushed activity of last minute course material is being stuffed into an already full backpack. The coffee machine chimes in with a jingle and wafts aromas of the nectar that is going to save your sanity.
As you watch and hear this unfold, you have frantic thoughts of your own. You need to make sure everyone gets something nutritious and quick to eat before they run off to the bus or car to start their day. Something you could probably make in advance and have on the kitchen table in 2 seconds? It is morning after all and some mornings are better if you only have to lift a finger to direct folks towards a bowl of yogurt, some granola and fruits and berries of their choice.
Some mornings are for just coffee and you, to ponder the deep meanings of life while the world goes on around you. And for a morning abuzz, make this granola in advance and store in an air tight container. And what’s more it also makes a nutritious after school snack or a great game time snack for after school sports activities.
Why make your own granola? Well, check the labels on the granolas and you will see sugar sugah sugaaaah everywhere and all of it processed. Now that just beats the purpose of something that sounds and was supposed to be a healthy thing. Doesn’t it? Yes, you can find brands that use coconut or date sugar, but they sneak in those nasty gmo oils. And if a brand is doing everything right, like not using processed sugars and using good fats, the prices are through the roof. So yeah! Save the day by making some for yourself and enjoy that cup of coffee with a satisfaction that what you put on the table for the people who make your mornings and life come alive, is good.
There are as many granola recipes as there are blogs and each one has a unique characteristic. Each granola recipe is a reflection of how the granola maker likes his or her granola. Interesting! Isn’t it? So What do you do? I am posting my own version of a recipe for granola that I based on a recipe from my friend Abbe. Abbe’s granola is addictive and you totally should make her version. Because this recipe in ratios it is easier to make changes to it as and when you like. I like to use coconut sugar and maple syrup in mine, but you can totally change that. Also this granola is a lot less sweet than the store bought ones . So in case you are looking for those kinds, this isn’t the recipe for it.
Healthy Crunchy Granola
Ingredients
- 4 c oats
- 1/3 c maple syrup
- 1/3 c coconut oil melted
- 1/3 c coconut sugar
- 1 c toasted almond slices
- 1/4 c chia seeds
- 1/4 c Flax Seeds coarsely ground
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 c mixed dried fruits of your choice [ I used raisins, dates, figs and dried mulberries]
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325 *F.
Heat brown sugar, maple syrup, salt and coconut oil until the sugar dissolves.
Stir into oats and mix well.
Place in a half sheet pan/ jelly roll pan lined with parchment and spread it out in an even layer.
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, then stir once or twice and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown and toasted.
Remove from oven and add in the almond and mixed dried fruits, flax seeds chia seeds and press them in. Do not stir if you want bigger clusters of granola.