nutty maple granola

 

This granola is so simple and quick to make, and tastes so much better than any store bought granola. I love that this granola does not contain refined sugar, oil, or butter, which most granola is made with. Nutty maple granola is very healthy and delicious.

 

As I write this blog, my family [Husband and two teenage daughters] and me are currently in Mammoth on a ski trip.  I made and packed this granola for our ski trip, and brought along some non-fat honey Greek yogurt, which I topped with the granola. It has been the perfect breakfast before skiing. This granola is packed with oats and nuts, a great source of energy.  I need loads of energy to be able to keep up with my fast skiing family.

This ski trip has been a great start to our new year for 2013.  We are getting plenty of exercise by skiing all day and are on track to eating healthier.  While at dinner last night, my husband requested that we go around the dinner table and each of us tell our new year’s resolution.   Everyone in my family said “their new year’s resolution is to eat healthier”.  Mine is to create and cook healthier recipes in support of their new year’s resolutions.  So stay tuned for more healthier and lighter recipes with loads of luscious flavor.

I shouldn’t mention this…BUT it’s just too good not to.  I was about ready to publish this blog post, but had to stop so we could go to dinner at the Charthouse in Mammoth.  Well, tonight my husband and daughters ordered the mud pie and lava cake for desert.  The three of them devoured both desserts [I swear that I didn’t take a bite].  Now they tell me that their new year’s resolution does not start until Monday.  Wow, I’m going to have my work cut out for me this year.

nutty maple granola
adapted from The Food You Crave

Servings: 9

Cooking Spray

3 cups old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup chopped unsalted walnuts

1/2 cup chopped unsalted almonds

1/2 cup chopped unsalted pecans

1 cup maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl combine the oats, nuts, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon and the dried cranberries. Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet and bake until golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Transfer the sheet to a cooling rack and let cool completely. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 90 g

Amount Per Serving
Calories 124
Calories from Fat 24
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2.7g4%
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 69mg3%
Total Carbohydrates 25.3g8%
Dietary Fiber 0.9g4%
Sugars 21.2g
Protein 1.1g

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet