Almond Granola

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It is definitely my favorite meal. One of the most important things about breakfast is eating something that is high in fiber and protein so that you’ll have energy all through the morning and won’t feel the need for a snack or get a sugar crash.

Oats are a great grain for starting off the day. The soluble fiber in oats helps remove LDL or “bad” cholesterol, while maintaining the good cholesterol that your body needs. The soluble fiber also absorbs water which significantly slows down the digestive process. This results in making you feel full longer and helping control weight. New research also suggests that oats may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. Oats are rich in a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and also very high in protein.

This granola is a delicious way to get all of those benefits. It has become a staple in our house. I like loading my bowl up with fresh berries and homemade almond milk. It’s a perfect way to start off the day!

Ingredients

7 cups One Degree Organics Quick Oats
1 cup almonds, whole or sliced
1/2 cup pecans (optional)
1 cup coconut shreds
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup warm water
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp almond flavoring
1/2 cup sunflower seeds (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 225 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl. In a separate bowl combine all wet ingredients. Combine and mix well. Add extra water or maple syrup if the mix is too dry.

Spread granola out evenly on the two baking sheets.

Bake until granola is dry and slightly browned — approximately 1 hour.