Granola from zuppas

Healthy Breakfasts No.3

July 27th, 2010 - by Steph

Do you love the idea of granola, but find that most versions are way to sugary for your taste? Me too! I’d rather save my sugar for a yummy dessert, not a breakfast cereal. I’ve been on the hunt for some time now for a substantia granola recipe that is not only full of a lot of “stuff”, but boasts no added sugar.  In fact, the only sweetener in this recipe is pure, maple syrup…isn’t that wonderful?  If you don’t want to invest in large bags/containers of all of these ingredients, hit the bulk section of your local grocery store (my local Whole Foods & Smiths both have one) and just purchase exact amounts of each required ingredient. You’ll
definitely feel the savings.
Fruit + Nut Granola (adapted from Real Simple)
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup unsalted pepitas (raw pumpkin seeds)
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 1/2 cups dried tart cherries
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place parchment on baking sheet (located next to the wax paper and aluminum foil) and set aside.  In a large bowl toss the oats, almonds, coconut and pepitas with the maple syrup, oil and salt.  Pour evenly onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and make sure the mixture is evenly distributed.  Bake for 25 minutes (and not a minute longer!).  After removing the baking sheet from the oven, pour the dried cherries on top of the mixture and carefully toss.  Allow to cool before placing the granola in an airtight container (I like those glass lock containers from Costco).
A few notes regarding ingredients:
Pepitas: Nutty Guys makes great raw pumpkin seeds, or check out the Mexican food section of your local grocery store.
Unsweetened Coconut: The bulk aisle of your grocery store will likely carry this, but in case they don’t, Red Mill makes unsweetened coconut.
Pure Maple Syrup: The best price per ounce can be found at Costco with Target being a close second with their Archer Farms brand.
Dried Tart Cherries: Good versions can be found at Target (again, Archer Farms) or in the bulk aisle of your grocery store.  I found some great cherries at my local farmers market so take a peek there while they are in season right now.