Herb and Aleppo Seafood Seasoning
This is delicate yet punchy seafood seasoning was created in the MTOS test kitchen. It combines herb forenotes with spicy, citrusy backnotes.
More Than Our Story
Healthy Homemade Granola
Table of Contents
Inspiration
This recipe originated after I began paying closer attention to the nutrition labels on granola. Some brands are filled with saturated and trans fats, and their calorie counts can be extremely high, not to mention the price. Viola! My family now makes our own granola. My husband and I make it super healthy, while our son prefers honey, strawberries, and chocolate chips. However, one thing we can all agree on is that it’s cheap, easy, and fun!
Ingredients
- 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tbsp whole or milled (ground) flaxseed
- 1 cup nuts and/or seeds (I used ½ cup pepitas and ½ cup shelled, chopped pistachios)
- 1 cup binding ingredient of your choice (see below)
- 1 tsp fine-grain sea salt
- Optional: 1 tsp extract (vanilla or almond)
- Optional: ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional: ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- Optional: ¼ cup carob chips
GLUTEN-FREE:
Ensure all your ingredients are labelled as certified gluten-free if preparing this for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. While oats, golden flax seeds, pepitas, pistachios, fruits, chocolate chips, and extracts are naturally gluten-free and suitable, they may be processed in the same equipment used for gluten-containing ingredients, which can lead to cross-contamination risks.
MY FAVORITE BINDING INGREDIENT:
I love using Steeves Maples sugar-free syrup. It’s keto-friendly and suitable for individuals with diabetes.
ALTERNATIVE BINDING INGREDIENTS:
Here are some natural options you can use, depending on your taste and dietary needs:
- Natural Sweeteners: Honey, agave syrup, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, and date syrup - these will sweeten the granolla and help it clump together.
- Nut & Seed Butters: Almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter, or tahini - these will add creaminess and binding power, but will increase the fat and calorie count.
- Fruit-Based Binders: Mashed banana and applesauce - these are great for low-calorie or no-bake versions, but they do result in a softer, more chewy granola. You should also reduce the baking temperature to avoid burning.
- Fats: Coconut oil, olive oil, butter, or plant-based butter substitutes - these will help crisp and bind after cooling, but will increase the fat content.
NOTE: You will need to adjust the ratio of binder to dry ingredients and adjust the cooking time according to your preferences, but this recipe is so simple that you can relax, experiment, and enjoy.
Preparations
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts, seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Stir to blend.
- Add the binder and vanilla, and mix well to coat evenly.
- Pour the granola mixture onto the baking sheet and spread it evenly in a single layer.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then stir and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
- Repeat 1 or 2 more times as desired until lightly golden.
- Let the granola cool for at least 45 minutes to crisp further.
- Top with the optional dried fruit and karob chips.
- Pack down and enjoy.
TIPS & VARIATIONS:
- Extra crunch: Add chia, sesame, or poppy seeds for added texture.
- Extra flavor: Experiment with dried fruits, extracts, or fresh citrus zest.
Serving Suggestions
- On top of Greek yogurt with berries
- As a smoothie bowl topping
- With milk or plant-based milk for an easy, quick breakfast
Storing
- Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. The dried fruit can freeze solid, so let it warm to room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips
- If you want toasted coconut in your granola, add the coconut flakes to the granola halfway through baking so they get nice and toasty.
Denise
Denise is the most positive person you will ever meet. She takes pleasure in sharing and giving and is selfless beyond imagination. She is also an animal lover and will never miss the opportunity to say hello to any four legged friends along her journey.
Denise is also an advertising and PR wizard and will charm your socks off. In 2021 her journey began becoming an irreplaceable part of More Than Our Story.
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