[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”7496″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We all know at this stage that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and we should breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper – but if you feel you can’t face a cooked breakfast first thing in the morning every morning it doesn’t mean you have to rely on high carb/salt/sugar cereals. Why not have a go at making your own granola?
It’s incredibly simple, you can make a batch and keep it for two weeks plus if making your own you decide exactly what you want to go into it depending on your tastes and needs. Personally I like to keep the carb relatively low in the morning but want to ensure a good source of protein so I’m not reaching for the scone or biscuits come 10am!![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Below is my basic granola recipe, it can easily be adapted to your own tastes or whatever you happen to have in the cupboard! Previously I have also added a teaspoon of fennel seeds and seeds from a couple of cardamon pods to it!
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Ingredients
1 cup of porridge oats (gluten-free if avoiding gluten)
1/2 cup buckwheat
1/2 cup of coconut flakes or desiccated coconut (or mixture of both)
3/4 cup mixed seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, chia)
1 cup mixed nuts (almond, hazlenut, brazil, pecan) – chopped
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2-3 tbspn maple syrup
1 tbspn raw coconut oil[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”7497″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”green”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Method
Add everything except the coconut oil to a mixing bowl and stir well to ensure the maple syrup is evenly distributed.
Put the coconut oil into an oven tray and put into a preheated oven at 140 degrees, gas mark 1 just long enough to melt the oil, once melted mix the granola mixture with the coconut oil, spread evenly on the baking tray and put into the oven for between 40-60 minutes depending on the size of your tray. Make sure to toss the granola mixture a couple of times during cooking.
Remove from oven and allow to cool. Once cooled transfer to an airtight container and store for up to two weeks.
Once the granola is cooled you can add some dried fruit e.g. goji berries, cranberries, blueberries or whatever dried fruit you like – just remember dried fruits are high in sugar! Another nice addition can be 1-2 tblspns of cocoa nibs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”7498″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”green”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Serve with fresh or stewed fruit and your yoghurt of choice or use as a crunchy topping to your morning porridge or use as a healthy topping for apple crumble.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
