Homemade Healthy Granola September 17, 2012
Have you ever looked at the nutritional information on a bag of Quaker granola cereal? There is just about as much sugar in a bowl of their granola as there is in a chocolate sundae! Yet, I love granola, so I came up with a healthier version.
There’s no sugar and no oil. Instead I use agave nectar.
If you aren’t familiar with agave nectar, it’s a natural sweetener that comes from the agave plant. The best part is, that it’s low on the glycemic index. Where sugar is 100 on the glycemic index, agave nectar is in the 20’s. And since it’s 25% sweeter than sugar, you use less.
There are five simple ingredients:
4 C old fashioned oatmeal (uncooked)
2 C coconut
2 C raisins or dried fruit
2 C sliced almonds
1/8-1/4 C agave nectar
Mix the ingredients in a bowl and spread them on a sheet pan. Cook in the oven at 375, for 7 minutes. Stir and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes,
Yes, the coconut is probably sweetened with lots of that evil sugar, but I’m not perfect! (Just in case I had any of you fooled!) Once out of the oven, let the mixture cool. Or better yet put some in a bowl, with vanilla soy milk and have yourself a warm, wonderful treat!
True blue tummy love! You can even snack on it dry. Mr. Wonderful grabs it by the handful, dropping half of it in the snack drawer, but oh we’ll!
What are your favorite comfort foods?
Thanks for posting this recipe. I love agave nectar. I put it in my iced tea! 😀
That looks good. My daughter in law uses agave nectar. I have not yet.
It used to be hard to find, Kim. Now, it’s just about everywhere! If you’re not worried about sugar, I’ve used pancake syrup, when I’ve been out of the agave!
Some of my husband’s VERY HEALTHY family members are coming for Thanksgiving so I am stressing over what to serve for every meal.
I am going all out “southern” for the Thanksgiving meal, but the rest of the time I will be trying to make things that they would want (or closer to the way they would want it).
Homemade granola sounds like a PERFECT option. I really appreciate you sharing the recipe!
Ok, Gayle! We need to talk! You’ll have enough to do. Why not ask everyone to bring their favorite holiday treat? No? At least get them involved in some way. I’m always here to offer unsolicited advice! 🙂
Oh my, this is so funny because I just discovered agave and made banana bread with it this past weekend. (I am posting later this week) I am in love with it! Thanks for this recipe. My grandboys love granola but you are right, the sugar content is ridiculous. I am definitely making this for them soon. Happy week! xxoo
Great minds think alike! Ha! I think the kids will like it…just put a toy in the box! Do they even still do that? Thanks for saying “hi”!
This looks wonderful! I can’t wait to try it. I’m sort of a granola addict. 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing!
~Lisa
Hi Lisa,
I just checked in on things in the barn and your Sept. 1st event looked pretty wonderful. Hope all is going well there for you!
Barbara
I love this recipe…great idea using the Agave!