Sunday, August 21, 2011

Apple Raisin Granola



I LOVE granola but most store bought varieties aren't vegan, are high in refined sugar, and have preservatives that my body just doesn't need. This recipe was adapted from Brendan Braizer's book, Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports and Life. I think the title says it all. This granola is chalk full of healthy omega-3s, fiber, and plant based protein. It's sure to leave you feeling satisfied and energized for your day.

Ingredients:
1 apple, diced (I used granny smith but choose what suits you)
1 cup oats
1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruit
1/3 cup diced almonds
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup hemp seeds (or hemp protein powder)
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
2 Tbsp chia seeds
2 tsp cinnamon
sprinkle of sea salt
1/4 cup hemp oil
1/4 cup maple syrup (Brendan uses Molasses, not easily accessible in Seoul)
2 Tbsp apple juice
squirt of agave nectar

Procedure:
-Pre heat oven to 250 F
-Combine all dry ingredients in large bowl and mix them up
- In a separate bowl, combine wet ingredients and blend
-Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix, mix, mix
-Lightly oil a cooking sheet (I use coconut oil)
-Spread mixture on sheet
-Bake for about 1 hr, stirring every once in a while
-Remove from oven, break up with a spoon or fork, let cool
-Keeps in refrigerator for about 2 weeks (but good luck making it last that
long)

I usually eat this dry as a snack in the afternoon but it also makes for a great energy packed breakfast. Top it with your favorite fruit and serve with soy, almond, or hemp milk.

Happy eating!

4 comments:

  1. Melissa, I am so thrilled to make this granola. I love your zest for food and life! Keep it up!

    Love,

    Julie

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  2. By the way, where do I find hemp seeds and hemp oil?

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  3. Julie,

    My mom had a hard time finding them in or around P-town. Whole foods probably sells it but check out iherb.com. They are AMAZING--they have great stuff at great prices. If you use this special code: VOK916 at check out, you'll save $5 off your first order. iherb is what has gotten me by here in Korea.

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  4. Thanks for the tip. For some reason, I remembered that there was a tea/herb shop up on 150th and Meridian. Stopped by today. They had hemp seeds which I bought. Their hemp oil wasn't food grade so I am going to use sesame oil.

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