My husband and I are on a quest to eat less processed foods. I’ve been learning so much recently about all of the chemicals and yucky ingredients that are unnecessarily added to so many things. In fact, we strive to eat little to no processed foods at all. It’s really tough and takes a lot of extra time and prep work but is so worth it. When looking for a granola recipe I wanted something that wasn’t bogged down with lots of sugar (another thing we are trying to stay away from is refined sugars), easy to make, and tasty. This recipe embodies everything I was looking for, and it’s so versatile – you can add more of something and less of another if you like. I made this recipe for the first time 2 weeks ago and since I’ve made a second batch and will be making a third batch (for me) and one to give away this afternoon. It’s that good folks. That store bought stuff is for the birds!
Easy Toss and Bake Granola
This Easy Toss and Bake Granola is easy to customize to your liking!
Ingredients
- 4 c. old-fashioned rolled oats not quick cooking
- 1 c. sliced almonds
- 1/2 c. unsweetened* shredded coconut
- 1/4 c. unsalted pepitas hulled pumpkin seeds or shelled sunflower seeds
- 1/2 c. pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp. canola oil
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 c. dried fruit such as cherries, cranberries, raisins, or currants
Instructions
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Heat oven to 350° F.
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On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the oats, almonds, coconut, and pepitas (or sunflower seeds) with the maple syrup, oil, and salt.
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Bake, tossing once, until golden and crisp, 25 to 30 minutes.
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Add the dried fruit and toss to combine. Let cool.
Recipe Notes
[My 2 Cents]
*Here is the list of ingredients in the sweetened coconut: Coconut, Sugar, Water, Propylene Glyco (Preserves Freshness), Salt, and Sodium Metabisulfite (Retains Coconut Whiteness). The ingredients in the unsweetened coconut that I use: Organic Dried Coconut. You tell me why you would want all of that other junk? If you want to purchase unsweetened, check out your local health food store. Buying it in bulk (if an option) will be the best way to go!
We've been using this granola in our morning parfaits. Per 1/4 c. of granola you will find it runs you about 140 calories - so don't go too crazy. Our yogurt of choice is the Stonyfield Plain Organic Whole Milk Yogurt. It's a lot lower in sugar than other more popular brands (I used to love Chobani, but it's packed with sugar). My favorite fruit to use are strawberries, but when we ran out of those bananas worked just as well. Of course you can use whichever fruit you prefer. My husband prefers blueberries... me, not so much!
Adapted from Real Simple
Tawni
That sounds yummy! Definitely going to try it.