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

 

Tropical Oatmeal

Tropical Oatmeal

Gluten Free, Vegan, Low-sugar, Dairy Free

Breakfast is definitely a must for me in the morning.  If I don't have something substantial I can feel it for the rest of the day. Not to mention others around me suffer from my cranky mood swings. 
I found this very easy, quick and filling to keep me going throughout the morning. The only sugar that is in the recipe comes from the fruit, but the flavor is really delicious!  I know there is a lot of "prepared" oatmeal out there, but most are filled with things I can't pronounce and have no idea what they are.  This is especially silly to me knowing it takes just as much time to make pretty much any flavor oatmeal just as quickly at home and its cheaper to do yourself!!  I am definitely not perfect, but one rule I try to keep in mind is the less ingredients the better (added bonus to this rule is it often makes meals less expensive!).  I try to buy whole foods, or minimally processed packaged food with minimal ingredients and ones that I recognize!  Anyway on to the oatmeal!

• 1/2 cup Old Fashion Rolled oats
• 1 cup Unsweeted Coconut Almond milk
• 2-3 tablespoons Ground Flaxseed
• 3  organic Strawberries (frozen or fresh) diced
• 4-5 dried apricots diced 

Add all ingredients to a microwave safe bowl and cook for 1:30-2:00 mins.  Enjoy!!!!


This recipe is for one but can be easily made for multiple people.  I would suggest following the stove top directions for the oatmeal if making for a large bunch. 


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.  
• Unsweetened Coconut-Almond Milk:  Great Dairy Alternative.  Consistency is not as thick as Almond or Soy Milk and helps gives this recipe a "tropical" flavor.  I use the Blue Diamond Brand and there is 45% of your daily calcium value, 50% for vitamin E and 25% of vitamin D, along with Vitamin A Iron Phosphorus and Magnesium in it.
• Flax Seed -Contain Plant based Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Contain Lignans, which contain antioxidant qualities, and Flax seed also has soluble and insoluble fiber.
• Apricots-Contain beta carotene (helpful in heart disease prevention) and also contain large amounts of vitamin A (great for eye site).
• Strawberries- strawberries have loads of goods stuff in them including vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber and more.  Some research shows that only 1 cup can lower blood sugar levels.