With the weather warming up, I crave some cold cereal in the morning, but I prefer to stay away from the usual store bought boxed cereals and granola that are highly processed,low in nutrients, and loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients.
So I decided to make my own personalized granola with ingredients that I like and in the right amounts. This granola is freshly made with real whole ingredients, and is filling and full of beneficial nutrients from the nuts and seeds in it.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup pecans
1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup oats (gluten-free)
1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup dried coconut flakes or unsweetened desiccated coconut
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tbsp flax-meal or whole flaxseeds
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp cacao powder or cocoa powder
2 tbsp raw organic coconut oil, melted
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp sea salt
1/2- 1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Method:
In a food processor, coarsely grind the nuts, seeds, and oats to desired consistency. You can grind them in batches or all at once.
Remove in a big bowl, then add the flax-meal, dried coconut, ground cinnamon, cacao powder, salt, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and the melted coconut oil.
Mix everything well and spread the mixture on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes at 150 C/300F. Halfway through, remove and stir the mixture to ensure even baking. (Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep checking often to prevent burning).
Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the raisins and chocolate chips. Store in an airtight container and enjoy it as cereal with your favorite milk, as topping on ice cream or yogurt, or on its own for a snack.
Note: you can substitute the nuts, seeds, and sweetness to your preference.
Let me know in the comments below: What is your favorite summertime breakfast?
Thanks for reminding me to make my own granola. Lovely with berries too.