EASY, HOMEMADE CASHEW NUTS, ALMONDS AND CRANBERRY GRANOLA RECIPE

THIS MIGHT BE THE EASIEST AND TASTIEST GRANOLA YOU WILL EVER MAKE

You all may already know that I love oatmeal. In one of my earlier posts, I shared one of the ways I eat my oatmeal – with fruits. In todays post, I share another means of eating the healthy, delicious, versatile oatmeal.

My husband and I try to snack on healthy foods when we have a sugar craving. His go-to snack is often a protein bar or granola with some vanilla yoghurt. While I love granola as well, I never reached for the jar. The big problem was, I once happily made a bowl of his grocery purchased granola and it had such an unpleasant taste. This particular company had loaded their granola with tons of cinnamon; leaving an unpleasant bitter taste. Funny thing was, my husband could barely taste it. But for me, each bite left a bitter taste in my mouth; wishing I had not even bothered. I tried a few others and had no luck. So I decided to make granola the way I would like it to taste. With the help of Gordon Ramsay’s method and Sadia’s (Pick Up Limes) recipe, I made the tastiest homemade granola.

KNOW WHAT YOU EAT

Rolled oats

Oats are rich in Vitamin B. This vitamin improves brain health and is markedly reduced in times of stress. A lack of B vitamins can consequently result in poor concentration and memory, irritability, stress and low mood. Read more about oats here.

Cashew nuts

Cashew nuts are actually the kidney-shaped seeds that adhere to the bottom of the cashew apple, the fruit of the cashew tree. Tree nuts contain a high content of unsaturated FA (fatty acids), a huge variety of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, phytosterols, and a generous amount of fiber. Nuts are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and and mortality. And also to a decreased risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Cashew nuts have been found to improve mental health, increase bone mineral density, and decrease the risk of depression. Its long‐term consumption is also associated with a decreased risk of weight gain and obesity.

Almonds

The delicately flavored and versatile almond is available throughout the year to make a healthy and tasty addition to both sweet and savory dishes. Although packaged almonds are available year round, they are the freshest in mid-summer, which is when they are at the height of their season. Almonds contain a lot of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium and vitamin E. The health benefits of almonds include lower blood sugar levels, reduced blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. They also reduce hunger and promote weight loss. They are a good study snack for students.

Cranberries

Cranberries are thought to provide health benefits due to their flavonoid and phytonutrient content. These naturally occurring compounds have antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits that are evident in the oral cavity, gastrointestinal (GI) tract and urinary tract. A specific type of flavonoid, proanthocyanidins (PAC), in cranberries provide urinary tract benefits by interfering with the ability of pathogenic Escherichia coli (a type of bacteria) to cause infections in the urinary tract. Cranberries reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-oxidation, maintain or improve high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, reducing platelet aggregation and improve vascular function.

EASY, HOMEMADE CASHEW NUTS, ALMONDS AND CRANBERRY GRANOLA RECIPE

Ingredients

• 4 cups (400g) rolled oats (Havervlokken)
• 1/2 cup raw almonds
• 1/2 cup Cashew nuts
• 1/2 cup mixed seeds (sunflower seeds, raw pumpkin seeds, pine seeds)
• 1/2 cup (30g) dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup (30g) dried raisins
• 1/4 cup (60mL) vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup Maple syrup (or honey)
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180c
2. Add all your dry ingredients (excluding the dried fruits) to a large bowl.
3. Add your vegetable oil maple syrup and salt to the same bowl.
4. Mix thorouhgly to coat evenly.
5. Evenly distribute over a large baking pan lined with baking paper.
6. Place in your preheated oven for a total of 30mins.
7. Remove from oven and stir every 10 minutes to avoid burning.
8. Once lightly golden brown remove from the oven and allow to cool.
9. While cooling, I add my dried fruits (cranberries and raisins) and stir.
10. Place in an airtight container and enjoy with your favorite yogurt or milk.
11. Note: Do not use muesli as an alternative to the rolled oats as the Musli already contains raisins. Putting it in the oven will harden the raisins and gives a bitter taste.