Now that it is 2017, I’m sure that everyone is refreshed, ready to take on the world, and freshly committed to a starting a healthier lifestyle. Wait, what? No? Eh, me neither. While some might be killing themselves with crossfit, and dieting themselves silly, I’m just trying to keep it together with a house full of kids and running two businesses from home. I think it’s safe to say that I have no intentions on transformative New Years goals. With that said, I do want to continue choosing smart snacks that are going to keep me fueled for the day so I avoid overindulging, and one of my favorites is homemade granola. (Be sure to check out the video at the end!)
There is a special place in my heart for homemade granola, and it is so much better than store-bought in every way. Besides the freshness factor, there are also so many different flavor profiles to choose from that you could make a different one every day! Today’s granola is For today’s granola, I am using Raisin Bran as a showcase ingredient, and combining it with a little vanilla flavoring and classic maple syrup for a really great flavor profile. If you aren’t a raisin fan, you can switch the cereal out for other Post® cereals that are packed with nutrition. Cereal is a great way to begin your day, and choosing smart options are important!
Maple Raisin Granola
You will need:
- One canister of rolled oats. (24ish ounces)
- Bottle of pure maple syrup. (Make sure it is 100% pure – the sugars in the syrups you are familiar with will turn your granola into a mess.)
- 1-2 cups Post® Raisin Bran cereal
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- large nonstick sheet pan
Start by heating your oven at 350 degrees and then mix all ingredients in a large bowl until evenly coated.
Next, spread out your mixture onto a nonstick baking sheet and put it in the oven for around 20 minutes, stirring/fluffing with a fork twice throughout. *This step will vary based on a number of different factors, but make sure you are keeping an eye on time and pulling out our granola when it has reached a golden color and your desired consistency.
When it’s ready just dump it all into a container and either save or serve! I LOVE how this batch turned out, and isn’t that color just perfectly golden? Oh, and I’m warning you – do not by any means sit around with the entire container. Because you will eat every last bite of it.
