The Fit Post

When it comes to my eating habits, I am definitely someone who has a split personality.  90% of the time I gravitate towards an ultra healthy plate – low sodium/calorie/sugar with a focus on finding things high in protein and antioxidants.  However, when it comes to any kind of homemade treat all of the rules go out the window…especially when I’m doing the baking! I found this recipe online and have made it for several people as Holiday gifts.  This is a healthy/sweet recipe that (for now) curbs my two personalities from going to either extreme!

• 2 cups rolled oats (not instant)
• 1 cup peanuts or toasted almonds
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup coconut (can be either sweetened or unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup toasted wheat germ 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (dried apricots, craisins and dried apple are all delicious choices)
• 1/4 cup cooking oil (not olive)
• 1/2 cup honey or agave nectar

Mix the oat, nuts and grains in a large bowl.  Measure oil into the measuring cup and swirl it around before pouring into bowl. Then measure out the honey in the same, unwashed cup. The oil will help the honey exit the cup.  Toss everything together until evenly coated and then pour out into a baking pan. I use a large roasting pan, as it keeps everything contained. A cookie sheet with a lip also works, but you have to stir it slightly more carefully if you use that. Bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes, turning it with a spatula every ten minutes or so. You want everything to be an even golden brown.  When it is finished cooking, returned the baked granola to the mixing bowl, add the raisins and fruit and stir to combine. Stir gently several times as it cooks, so that it doesn’t clump together too much.

~ by Maggie on October 1, 2009.

Posted in Recipes & Do-It-Yourself Ideas