Just NUTTY about GRANOLA!

I love Granola! But have you ever looked at the back of a store-bought package of it? What you thought was a healthy treat can be filled with processed sugars and less than fresh ingredients. So why not make your own? It's fast and easy, you can make a ton of it and store it in your pantry for when you're ready for a boost of oats, nuts and fruit!

I'm "NUTS ABOUT YOU "Granola:

Cooking Spray

3 cups old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup chopped raw, unsalted walnuts

1/2 cup chopped unsalted almonds

1/2 cup chopped unsalted pecans

1/2 cup maple syrup (this is your natural sugar!)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup craisins

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 raisins, if using. 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.

**Now with any granola recipe, feel free to substitute the nuts and dried fruit I suggested, with that which you like best! And for an occasional treat, add some dark chocolate chips after the granola has cooled (so it doesn't melt!) And get your chocolate fix with a nutritional good for you snack, full of fiber!

 And remember, this good for you food is higher in calories (good for you calories, though!!) so don't feel shy about eating it, but remember, as with all foods, even good for you ones, practice your mindful portion control by not forgetting what a serving size is....AND pair it up with your favorite greek yogurt for a protein boost or add fresh fruit on top with lowfat milk for a great breakfast treat anytime of day adding bulk to your meal, but not your waistline.


Calories: serving size 1/2 cup- 290 calories