The Ultimate Energy Granola

Jul 18, 2010

I can't believe I'm already sharing this one with you....let's just say it means we're close.  This was one of the very first recipes I created and tested out when I began my first Bariatric cooking class all those years ago....that has lead to places I would have never dreamed!  Soon I'll post how and why that initial class began, but for now, here is the recipe that inspired many more recipes and classes.  ---which were classes for me too, by the way!  I learn by trial and error, and I hope in this recipe you'll find more "triumph" than "error" :).  

I get frustrated with store-bought granolas, because most boast of health, while being packed with several different kinds of sugar.  This one of course uses Splenda, but you can easily experiment with whatever non-nutritive sweetener suits your needs (stevia, etc.) Ingredients in this can easily be left out, added, or switched to something you have in your cupboard.  Just remember....there's a reason why this is called The Ultimate Energy Granola!  A small amount will suffice.  But then again, that's all that will fit into our pouch anyway!  Walnuts are (in my opinion) the most nutritious nut, due to their unique Omega-3 properties.  Just also remember that nuts are "nature's nurseries" and are packed with nutrition, so all you need is a little! 

Hugs and remember to energize yourself this week! 
Nessa 

This one's close to my heart....

The Ultimate Energy Granola 

www.flourishyourlife.com 
facebook: Flourish! 
  Out of all the granola that has been created…this one is the grand-daddy of them all!  Flourish has whipped up many varieties of this power snack, but this one was the original. Consume when you need energy!  Makes a great power snack for a trip to the gym, or when you’re traveling!

Dry Ingredients: 
2 cups whole rolled oats (not quick-cooking)

1 cup walnut pieces

½ cup toasted wheat germ

½ cup non-fat dry milk

¼ cup sunflower seeds

¼ cup slivered almonds

3 Tablespoon ground flaxseed

Wet ingredients: 
½ cup sugar-free maple syrup (can’t do sugar-free? regular is fine…just know, it will change the nutrition facts slightly!)

3 Tablespoons 1% or skim milk

½ cup Splenda®

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

pinch of salt

1. Heat oven to 275 degrees F.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine dry ingredients, and toss together. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together wet ingredients.

3. Pour wet mixture over oat mixture, stirring well to coat granola evenly.

4. Spread granola evenly onto a large baking sheet coated with non-stick cooking spray. Bake for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. (Hint: if you like crispy granola, bake for longer, for chewy granola, bake for a shorter time).

5. Store in an airtight container.

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