Adventists believe in eating a hearty breakfast and a light dinner, and they often use nuts and seeds in their oat- meal and breakfast goods. Research reveals that nut eaters, on average, outlive non–nut eaters by two to three years. Nuts are also shown to reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol by 9 percent to 20 percent, regardless of the fat level or amount consumed.
This hearty granola is the perfect addition to morning oatmeal, coconut yogurt, or alone as a mid-morning snack; the variations that follow allow you to mix and match your favorite flavors, revealing just how versatile this food can be. Use it in a trail mix, in a breakfast parfait, or as a dessert topping to add a delicious boost of health to your day.
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 1⁄2 to 2 cups raw nuts like walnuts, almonds, pecans*
3 tablespoons coconut oil
1⁄2 cup honey or maple syrup
1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄2 cup dried fruit (optional)
Chocolate chips (optional)
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine oats, nuts, oil, honey, and cinnamon.
Spread onto baking sheet and bake until golden brown, stirring once in a while.
Bake for about 30 minutes.
Remove from oven and transfer to cooling rack and let cool.
Combine with dried fruit and chocolate chips, if using.
*If using already roasted nuts, subtract 10 minutes from the cooking time.
Try These Variations
GRANOLA MEXICANA
Mix 1 cup basic granola with 1⁄2 cup chopped fresh mango, juice of 1 lime, and 1⁄4 teaspoon chili powder.
CHAI-SPICED GRANOLA
Mix 1 cup basic granola with 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cardamom, pinch of cloves, and 1 piece minced candied ginger.
POWER GRANOLA
Mix 1 cup basic granola with 3 tablespoons dried blueberries, 2 tablespoons cacao nibs, and 2 tablespoons shredded coconut.
GRANOLA PARFAIT
Layer 1⁄4 cup almond-based yogurt with 1⁄4 cup granola followed by 1 tablespoon cacao nibs, 1 tablespoon shredded coconut, and 1 1⁄2 tablespoons dried blueberries. Repeat.
ICE CREAM TOPPING GRANOLA
Add a small handful of fresh in-season berries and 1⁄4 cup basic granola on top of your favorite non-dairy ice cream for a refreshing treat.
