Aunt Grace’s Granola Recipe
Syndicated column week of April 22, 2013.
With warmer weather approaching, many folks I know are thinking about exercising and getting into shape. One simple change that will help towards the goal of feeling better is to give up the fast food breakfast in exchange for a bowl of granola.
Not only can this change help your physical wellness, it might also help your financial wellness. The last time I checked a fast food breakfast was about $3 or $4. You can make your own granola for a lot less than $3 per serving.
My Aunt Grace recently shared her granola recipe with me. It is wonderful in its simplicity. You will love the versatility of the simple granola, too. A simple recipe is easy to modify!
Granola Strawberry Parfait
Aunt Grace’s Granola
6 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup oil
1 cup chopped dates
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a very large mixing bowl, combine oats, pecans, honey and oil. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients. Place mixture into an oiled 9 x 13 dish, and bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove from 9 x 13 pan and put back into mixing bowl immediately (dish still hot – may overcook oatmeal), and cool. Once the granola is cooled mix in 1 cup chopped dates.
Granola Close Up – see the walnut and date bits?
Make it a Meal: Place a half cup of granola over your morning yogurt. Serve as cereal with slice fresh fruit and milk. Sprinkle over your salad to add some crunch to the greens.
Approximate Nutritional Information: Servings Per Recipe: 24, Amount Per Serving: Calories: 262, Total Fat: 11g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 1mg, Total Carbs: 37g, Protein: 7g.
Variations: You may substitute any dried fruit in place of the dates. Raisins are easy to find and always a good choice. Dried cranberries or blueberries are also available in most groceries. If you want to really change up the flavors, create a tropical granola by adding some coconut flakes, dried pineapple and apricot. Another way to change the flavor of your granola is to replace the pecans with chopped walnuts or peanuts.
Granola in Pan fresh from the oven and cooling, you can almost smell the sweetness!
Granola is full of fiber, which is vital for digestion, as you know if you watch TV commercials. I think a better source for information might be a reputable nutritionist or other health professional, but I do believe in all things in moderation. However, I do know that a small bowl of granola with a little milk or yogurt has got to be healthier than a fried breakfast.
If you are looking to make some lifestyle changes in nutrition and exercise arenas, then start with some small changes. Aunt Grace’s Granola is easy to make, simple to store (up to a month in airtight container), and provides a tasty breakfast.
Granola Parfait
You will be doing your budget a favor as well, since the cost of this oatmeal is pennies per bowl. The other great thing about having a container of granola sitting on the counter, it’s easy to fix a bowl to eat while your checking your morning emails!
Noel Lizotte is breaking free of corporate stress with convenience cooking! This recipe is similar to ones printed in her cookbook Apron Free Cooking which is available on the website www.apronfreecooking.com.
What is your favorite flavor of granola?
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