Wholesome breakfast foods can be a real challenge. I try to change things up a little to not
get boring. One that never seems to get old is whole milk plain yogurt, granola and fruit.
Home made granola is so easy and so much better than the store bought since we can control the ingredients, sodium and sugar.
Oats
Super heart healthy and lower cholesterol
Coconut Oil / Olive Oil
A healthy fat that adds to richness of the granola and brings the flavors together nicely
Nuts / Seeds
I choose walnuts as they are rich in Omega 3's and pepitas (pumpkin seeds) as they are full of healthy magnesium
Maple Syrup
Rich in antioxidants and lowest in fructose
Here's an easy one that stores well:
Wholesome Breakfast Granola
- 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/4cup raw nuts and/or seeds (I used 1 cup walnuts and 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds)
- 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt or Himalayan
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil (I prefer olive oil as it's an unsaturated plant oil)
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- optional additional mix-ins: ½ cup mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, dried fruit
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts/seeds, salt and cinnamon. Add in oil, maple syrup and vanilla. Toss to coat.
Pour onto prepared pan and spread to an even layer.
Bake until golden, about 25 minutes, stirring halfway.
Gently take parchment with granola from pan to cool on counter.
When cool, put in bowl and stir in the dried fruit, chips or coconut.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months