DELICIOUS WELLNESS GRANOLA.
Makes 15 Servings
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or Extra Virgin coconut oil
50ml maple syrup
2 tbsp local Kentish honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
300g organic gluten free oats
50g sunflower seeds
50g pumpkin seeds
50g dried flaked unsweetened coconut pieces
100g mixed jumbo raisins
50g Freeze dried berries (opp.)
Heat and oven to 150degC or 130degC if fan assisted.
Take a large mixing bowl. Add the oil, maple syrup, honey and vanilla extract and mix well.
Now tip in all the remaining ingredients except the dried and freeze-dried fruit. Combine everything really well to make sure the ingredients are evenly coated.
Take two large baking sheets and divide the mixture between the two trays making sure its patted down evenly.
Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Next remove from the oven and add half the dried fruits and coconut to each tray taking the opportunity to mix everything thoroughly.
Return to the oven and cook for about 12-15 mins (check at 10 minutes you don’t want the dried fruits to burn).
Take out of the even and tip on to another cool metal tray of baking dish. Leave to cool and once cooled mix in the freeze-dried fruits and pop into a Kilner jar until you are ready to use.
OLIVE OIL.
A good quality extra virgin olive oil is incredibly healthy. Due to its powerful antioxidants, it benefits your heart, brain, joints and more. In fact, it may be the healthiest fat on the planet.
PUMPKIN SEEDS.
These provide you with plant-based sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Pumpkin seeds earn their place in the world of super foods, thanks to the potential benefit to both your physical and mental health.
SUNFLOWER SEEDS
Sunflower seeds are a good source of nearly a dozen essentials vitamins and minerals, including zinc and selenium. Zinc supports immune function, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It also serves as an antioxidant to fight off free radical damage to your cells.
LOCAL HONEY.
Great for lessoning the symptoms of hay fever.
CINNAMON.
In addition to being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, lipid lowering and cardiovascular disease lowering compound, cinnamon has also been reported to have activities against neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
VANILLA EXTRACT (Not essence).
Natural antidepressant: Vanilla is a natural antidepressant that's already in your kitchen. It has active compounds that stimulate the production of serotonin, also known as the happy hormone. It can help improve mood, reduce anxiety and promote a feeling of well being.
FREEZEDRIED FRUITS.
Freeze-drying fruit means they retains more than 90% of their nutrients, so it's almost as healthy as fresh fruit, but won't go off nearly as quickly. Fibre levels are also maintained, making freeze-dried fruit a superb way to improve your gut health.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS.
· Sprinkle over live full fat yoghurt for breakfast.
· When cooking the granola you can add nuts at the same time as the dried fruit and coconut for more protein rich recipe.
· Have as a snack my kids love to do this.
