Heart Healthy 2-Step Granola

I wanted to switch up my normal morning routine at breakfast. Instead of eating a bowl of Oatmeal topped with Fresh fruit, I decided to try making homemade granola that can be added to a variety of breakfast items. I usually opt for buying Plain Greek Yogurt because it is higher in Protein, less fat and no added sugars unlike some of the leading yogurt brands. Also I usually swap out Greek yogurt for recipes that call for sour cream of mayo when needed as a personal preference.

This Granola recipe came together so quickly that I was able to do it while meal prepping on a Sunday morning and I intend on using it throughout the week for snacking as it provides fiber, protein and is packed with B-vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients for Healthy Granola

Oats

Heart-healthy, hearty, whole-grain old-fashioned oats keep their shape during baking. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you or someone in your household has gluten intolerance dietary restriction.

Nuts and/or Seeds

I used walnuts, a heart healthy food rich in Omega 3’s know to help lower bad cholesterol, for this batch. Other options include almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts and sunflower seeds.

Natural Sweetener

I love using Honey for my recipes that require natural sweetness but feel free to use Maple Syrup. Also these natural sweeteners infuse your granola with an extra-delicious flavor that sugar would not.

Salt and Spice(s)

For flavorful granola, don’t skip the step of adding salt! Think of the salt as bringing balance to all the sweet components in this dish.

I added cinnamon to this batch as it typically reminds me of what I do when I sprinkle ground cinnamon on my oatmeal in the morning. Ground ginger (likely use half the amount) and pumpkin spice are great alternatives as well.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruit enhances the nutty and chewy texture of the granola. I used dried cranberries (craisins) for this recipes. Feel free to use whatever you have handy in the pantry such as apricots, raisins or cherries.

Baking Tips for a Crunchier Granola

• Ensure that you coat the oats evenly with the Honey or Maple syrup as this is the only moisture it will receive before being baked
• Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to make for an easier cooking process to ensure they will not stick to your pan
• Make sure your oven is set to the right temperature and that you keep an eye on your Granola. Oats has a tendency to burn quickly if left unattended. Think of it as if you are making Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and you don’t want them to get too brown
• Allow your Granola to cool completely before breaking apart and transferring to an airtight container