I was shocked to discover that I’ve been averaging two to three packets of granola bars (that’s four to six actual bars!) each day. I figured granola would be an easy, healthy snack to have at my work desk. And while it is easy, it’s certainly not healthy. My all-natural, organic bars might have flax seeds, but they also have cane sugar as their second ingredient and they’re packed with added, unnecessary oil.
So what’s a girl to do? Make her own granola of course. This recipe is packed with good fats from almonds and pumpkin seeds and is sweetened naturally with your choice of honey, agave or maple syrup. While many vegans (even possibly the majority, I’m not really sure) don’t eat honey, some do so I’ve listed it here. It’s a personal choice and I certainly don’t judge, but if you’re making this for a vegan friend it’s best to ask what their honey policy is.
Ingredients
3 cups rolled oats
1 apple, cored and diced
2/3 cup pumpkin seeds
½ cup almonds, roughly chopped
½ cup honey, agave or maple syrup
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
4 tablespoons juice (I used peach juice)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Method
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a cookie sheet with olive oil.
In a big bowl stir together oats, apple, pumpkin seeds and almonds.
In a separate bowl whisk together liquid sweetener, spices and juices until well combined.
Pour liquid over oat mixture and stir well to combine.
Spread out onto the cookie sheet in one even layer.
Toss into the oven for 20 minutes.
Store in an airtight container for up to two or three weeks.
Serve over some yogurt or milk or just pop into your mouth by the handful.
Image © Yvonne Penzakov for BitchBuzz.com