Simple Granola

Simple Granola
Vegan, Dairy-Free




Thought I would stick with breakfast again and try and use some of the same ingredients from the last recipe since they are on hand.  The great thing about this Granola is it is very flexible.  This time I used walnuts, but you could easily substitute or just add almonds, instead of dried cranberries try cherries.  Other great additions are sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.  If you don't like all the spices take out the cinnamon and vanilla or change it out for nutmeg or all spice.  Have fun with it and customize it to your taste or perhaps what you have on hand!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Rolled Old Fashion Oats
• 1/2 cup Flaxseed
• 1/2 Wheatgerm (omit if you want gluten free)
• 1/2 cup Walnuts
• 3 tsp Canola Oil
• 1/2 Maple Syrup, Local Honey or Combination of both
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup dried apricots

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine first 8 ingredients in a large bowl.  Spread onto a large baking sheet and cook in oven for 12 minutes.   Toss on baking sheet then spread back out and place back in the oven for another 12 minutes.  Take out, add dried fruit and let cool  Store in air tight container on the counter or fridge for up to a week.  Also freezes very well! 

This is great with plain yogurt or coconut-almond milk!  

Why it's good for you:

• Oatmeal- has soluble and insoluble fiber.  Soluble fiber is good for helping to reduce cholesterol and insoluble helps food pass through our gut faster (relieves constipation). Oatmeal is a good source of protein and nutrients including zinc, vitamin E, copper, iron, selenium, and magnesium.
• Wheat Germ- Just 2 tsp contains 15% of daily vitamin E intake and 10% of recommended folate intake
• Flax Seed -Contain Plant based Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Contain Lignans, which contain antioxidant qualities, and also has soluble and insoluble fiber.
• Local Honey- Although there are no peer reviewed studies there are many anecdotal reports that eating honey that is local to your area can help reduce allergies.  
• Walnuts- High in protein, vitamin (B6, folate, thiamine,vitamin E), and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Cinnamon- Some studies have shown it to reduce cholesterol, reduce inflammation and have antioxidant effects.
• Apricots-Contain beta carotene (helpful in heart disease prevention) and also contain large amounts of vitamin A (great for eye site).
• Dried Cranberries- trace amounts of vitamin E and vitamin C