Granola
All granola should not be created equal. Store bought granola, like most other store bought food, is high in sugar in the form of high fructose corn syrup and not very filling. Yes, it’s a smarter choice than those sugary store-bought cookies, but unless it’s made with whole grain, granola is just as bad as the cookies. Try to buy granola bars that have whole grains listed as the first ingredient. Purchase granola that is high in fiber, as it will keep you fuller longer. Another option is to just make a homemade granola. It’s quick, easy and healthy.
Here’s a quick homemade granola recipe that the entire family will love:
Simple Homemade Granola
Recipe by Melissa d’Arabian
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups whole oats (not instant)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or almonds (optional)
- 1/2 cup crisped rice cereal
- 1/4 cup wheat germ or milled flax seed
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cinnamon, ginger, 1/4 teaspoon salt, honey, oil, maple syrup, water, and vanilla together. Add in the oats, pecans, rice cereal, and wheat germ. Toss to coat completely.
- Spread the granola out on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake until dry and crisp, but not yet browned, 30 to 35 minutes, stirring once or twice. Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
