Apple Cinnamon Granola

🍏🌰🥣 Apple Cinnamon Granola: A Delicious and Nutritious Treat 🍏🌰🥣

What is Apple Cinnamon Granola?
Apple Cinnamon Granola is a delightful breakfast and snack option made from a combination of rolled oats, dried apples, cinnamon, sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and often includes a variety of nuts and seeds. It’s a crunchy, flavorful, and wholesome treat that can be enjoyed in various ways.

History of Granola:
Granola has a fascinating history! It was originally developed in the United States in the 19th century as a health food. Dr. James Caleb Jackson, a vegetarian, is credited with creating the first granola-like cereal called “Granula” in the 1860s. Later, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (yes, the Kellogg of cereal fame) created a similar product called “Granola.” It gained popularity during the hippie movement in the 1960s as a symbol of the back-to-nature and health-conscious lifestyle.

Components of Apple Cinnamon Granola:

• Rolled Oats: The base of granola, providing a hearty and chewy texture.
• Dried Apples: Adds natural sweetness and a fruity flavor.
• Cinnamon: Provides a warm and comforting spice.
• Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup for sweetness and to bind the ingredients.
• Nuts and Seeds: Often includes almonds, walnuts, pecans, or seeds like pumpkin and sunflower for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Oil: Usually a small amount of vegetable oil is used to help with browning and crisping.

Steps to Prepare Apple Cinnamon Granola:

1. Gather Your Ingredients:

   • 2 cups rolled oats
   • 1 cup dried apple slices (chopped)
   • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
   • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
   • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
   • 1/4 cup seeds (e.g., pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
   • A pinch of salt

2. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped dried apples, ground cinnamon, chopped nuts, and seeds. Mix them well.

4. Add Wet Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated.

6. Spread on Baking Sheet:
   Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.

7. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown, stirring once halfway through to ensure even cooking.

8. Cool and Store:
   Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will become crispier as it cools. Once cooled, you can break it into clusters and store it in an airtight container.

Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Apple Cinnamon Granola is approximately 45 minutes, including prep time and baking time. It’s a fairly quick and easy recipe that yields a delicious and nutritious result!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola! It’s perfect with yogurt, milk, or as a snack on its own. 🍏🌰🥣😊

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple Cinnamon Granola:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per 1/2 cup serving):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Total Fat: 10-15 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
• Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 4-5 grams
• Sugars: 10-15 grams (mainly from dried apples and sweeteners)
• Protein: 5-7 grams

Health Information:

1. High in Fiber: Apple Cinnamon Granola is a good source of dietary fiber, mainly from rolled oats. Fiber helps with digestion, keeps you feeling full, and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

2. Moderate Calories: While it is calorie-dense due to the oats, nuts, and sweeteners, it can be a satisfying and energy-rich breakfast or snack option.

3. Healthy Fats: The fats in granola typically come from nuts and seeds, which are sources of heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

4. Added Sugars: Be mindful of the added sugars, primarily from honey or maple syrup. While they provide sweetness, consuming too much added sugar can be detrimental to health. You can adjust the amount of sweeteners to your preference.

5. Micronutrients: Granola contains various vitamins and minerals, especially from the nuts and seeds. These can include vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, and more.

6. Portion Control: Since granola can be calorie-dense, it’s important to watch your portion size. A small serving with yogurt or milk and fresh fruit can make for a balanced and nutritious meal.

7. Customization: You can make your granola healthier by reducing sweeteners, choosing unsaturated fats like olive oil, and adding more seeds and nuts for extra nutrients.

Remember that the specific nutrition content may vary depending on the ingredients and proportions used in your homemade granola recipe. Always check product labels and consider your dietary needs and preferences when enjoying granola as part of your diet.