Jeff’s Quick Snack

Dried Berry Granola

SNACK / VEGETARIAN / BREAKFAST
According to the Adventist Health Study 2, 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 amount of nuts consumed or the fat level in them. Incorporate nuts into your diet into a variety of ways and you’ll be that much closer to living to 100. Ikarians and Sardinians like to use them in soups and on salads, while Adventists top their steel-cut oatmeal with nuts or incorporate them into granola, like this Dried Berry Granola. It’s a perfect addition to your morning oatmeal, coconut yogurt, or just as a mid-morning snack.

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup almonds, crushed
1/4 cup cashews, crushed
1/4 cup hazelnuts, crushed
3/4 cup assorted dried berries
1 1/2 tbsp raw sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp coconut oil
4 tbsp local honey
2 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Mix together the oats, cinnamon, sugar, salt, and nuts.
Over low heat, warm the coconut oil, honey, and vanilla extract, pour over the dry ingredients and mix well.
Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes, turning the granola occasionally while baking.
Add the dried fruit to the baking sheet during the last few minutes of cooking.
Once the granola is a dark brown shade, remove from the oven, stirring occasionally while cooling.Yield: Serves 6Per serving: calories 318, fat 14g, sodium 124mg, fiber 3g, protein 5g
Source: Daniel Dennis, Culinary Instructor, Kirkwood Continuing Education & Chef de Cuisine for The Class Act Restaurant