Christmas Granola

Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 20 mins
Total time: 25 mins
Serves: 14

Ingredients

  • 2 cups oats
  • 1/4 cup 100% pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup pecans
  • 2 tablespoon flax seeds
  • 3 white chocolate baking squares

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Mix all ingredients (except chocolate) in a bowl.
  3. Spray an 8 inch square glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  4. Press granola mixture firmly into baking dish.
  5. Bake for approximately 20 minutes.
  6. With about 5 minutes left in the cooking process, melt white chocolate baking squares (I place the squares in a skillet placed over a pan of boiling water to act as a double boiler.) Note: I sprinkled in a tad bit of cinnamon once the chocolate had melted.
  7. Carefully place melted chocolate in a plastic baggie.
  8. Cut a small hole in the corner of the plastic baggie.
  9. Remove granola from oven and drizzle with white chocolate.
  10. After allowing the granola to cool, break up into a loose mixture.
  11. Place in an airtight container.
  12. Enjoy!


Nutritional data

Serving size:
1/4 cup (generous)

Calories: 97
Fat: 3.6 grams
Carbohydrates: 15 grams
Sugar: 6.5 grams
Protein: 2 grams

Nutritional data is approximate

 

After a bit too much time away I am back in the kitchen creating healthier dishes for my family. I've been incredibly busy with work and school so blogging was put on hold. But all of that is back on course and I'm free to blog again! I decided to start with something easy so I could dust off my cooking/baking skills. Since I haven't made granola bars in ages I decided that would be a good way to start. Instead of bars, though, I opted for granola in it's "natural" state. But not just any granola - Christmas granola. It was in the 40s here today and it made me feel holly and jolly! So, what constitutes Christmas granola? For me, Christmas and gingerbread go hand-in-hand so I decided to use gingerbread as my inspiration.

After making the mixture I took a little taste and was a bit concerned - it tasted very, very gingery. I placed the granola in the oven and hoped for the best. To say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. The kids actually fought over it and my daughter asked if she could have a little more for dessert. Score!

I hope you enjoy this healthier holiday treat. It's perfect for every day snacking or you could place it in a tin and give it as a gift. Oh! And 90% of the fat came from the nuts, flax seeds and oats -  so this is truly a heart-healthy snack!