Granola

**Granola**

PREP: 5 minutes
COOK: 20 minutes
SERVINGS: 8 cups

Ingredients.

4 cup rolled oats (I like the Bob Red Mills brand)
1 1/2 cup raw nuts (crushed almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
2/3 cup dried fruit (cranberries or cherries)
1/2 cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
1/2 cup honey (SAFETY NOTE: do not serve honey to babies under 12 months of age due to the risk of botulism)
Optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or coconut flakes

Instructions.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients (oats, nuts, chia seeds, salt, cinnamon).
Pour in the oil and honey. Mix well, until every surface is lightly coated.
Pour the granola into the baking sheet and use a large wooden spoon to spread it into an even layer.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden, stirring halfway. I recommend checking on your granola 15 minutes of the way through as well as temperatures can vary by oven and the oats can burn quickly.
Remove the granola and let cool completely for about 30 minutes. Top with dried fruit and mix-ins, if desired.
Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature. Serve on its own or on top of yogurt or acai bowls.

Meal-prep notes.

This granola freezes well, stored in a large ziploc bag or sealed mason jar for up to 3 months.

Nutrition.

Oats are packed with fiber as well as other nutrients including zinc, folate, choline, iron, magnesium, and selenium.

Chia seeds and flax seeds are both excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.

Nuts are a great source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.

For moms: Granola is a perfect snack for new and expecting moms, packed with essential nutrients moms need for pregnancy and postpartum recovering—including omega 3 fatty acids (brain development and anti-inflammatory properties), protein (promotes baby’s growth, tissue repair and healing after childbirth, and regulates mood), and iron (blood and oxygen supply).

Sources: Solid Starts, Centers for Disease Control, WebMD, VeryWell, What to Expect

Adapted from.

Cookie + kate. The Very Best Granola (link)