Granola has a reputation for being high in sugar. This is possibly due to the syrups and the amount of fruit added. There are other alternatives to sweetener such as coconut nectar, brown rice syrup and maple syrup, which are much better alternatives and can help you keep energy levels sustained throughout the day.
Cinnamon helps control blood sugar levels so a perfect match with granola.
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Oven cooking: 17 minutes
Storage: In a mason jar
Perfectly accompanied with:
On top of overnight chia seeds
Over warm pear, blackberries, apple - for the winter
Used as a crumble over other heated fruit for dessert when guests come over
Topping over protein smoothies in a bowl for the morning for the Spring and Summer
Ingredients required:
2 cup of oats
2 tsp of cinnamon
3 large tablespoons of coconut oil
2 tbs of maple syrup
½ cup of pecans
½ cup of almonds
½ cup of mixed sunflower & pumpkin seeds
2 tbs of coconut nectar (you can use brown rice syrup to keep costs low)
½ cup of dried cranberries or raisins or a mixture
½ cup of coconut shavings (optional)
Step one:
Pre-heat the oven to 180c or 375F.
Place the oats, cinnamon and maple syrup in a bowl. Heat the coconut oil in a pan, and once melted, pour the coconut oil into the mixture in the bowl. Stir the mixture well, then pour it into a oven dish. Place the mixture in the pre-heated oven, and cook for 10 minutes. (every oven is different so keep an eye on the oven to make sure it isn't burning)
Step Two:
Take the dish out of the oven and add the pecans, almonds, mixed sunflower & pumpkin seeds, and coconut nectar, stirring well into the mixture.
Place back in the oven, and cook for a further 7 minutes. The finish result should be before it reaches golden brown and crispy.
If the mixture is left it too long then it becomes too hard once it cools down.
Steps Three:
Take the granola out of the oven, and add in the dried cranberries or raisins or a mixture, and coconut shavings (optional).
Leave to cool down then place in it in a large glass jar, making sure it is airtight, ready to add to your favourite accompaniment. My favourite is a protein smoothie bowl!
