🌰🥥🍯 Almond/Walnut-Coconut Granola 🌰🥥🍯
Almond/Walnut-Coconut granola is a delightful and nutritious breakfast or snack option that combines the rich flavors of almonds, walnuts, and coconut with the sweetness of honey or maple syrup. This crunchy and versatile dish can be enjoyed on its own, with yogurt, or as a topping for smoothie bowls. Let’s explore its history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make it!
📜 History:
Granola itself has a fascinating history, originating in the 19th century as a health food. Sylvester Graham, a Presbyterian minister, and health reformer, developed the concept of graham flour, which was later used to create the first granola-like food. Modern granola as we know it gained popularity in the 1960s as a symbol of the hippie movement’s interest in health and natural foods.
🌰 Components:
- Rolled Oats: The base ingredient, providing fiber and texture.
- Nuts: Almonds and walnuts add a hearty crunch and healthy fats.
- Coconut: Shredded or flaked coconut brings a tropical twist.
- Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup for sweetness and binding.
- Oil: A neutral oil like coconut or vegetable oil for crispiness.
- Flavorings: Vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt for taste.
👩🍳 Steps to Prepare Almond/Walnut-Coconut Granola:
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Preheat Your Oven: Preheat it to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped almonds, 1 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1 cup of shredded coconut.
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Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup, 1/4 cup of oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and a teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated.
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Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant.
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Cool: Allow it to cool on the baking sheet. It will crisp up as it cools.
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Add Extras: If desired, you can add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries after baking.
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Store: Once completely cool, store in an airtight container.
🕒 Time Needed:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Enjoy your homemade Almond/Walnut-Coconut Granola as a nutritious and delicious addition to your breakfast or snack repertoire! 😊🌰🥥🍯
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Almond/Walnut-Coconut Granola:
Nutrition Facts (Per 1/2 Cup Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 280-320 kcal
- Total Fat: 18-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4 grams
- Sugars: 8-10 grams
- Protein: 6-8 grams
Health Information:
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Healthy Fats: Almond/Walnut-Coconut granola contains healthy fats from almonds, walnuts, and coconut, which can support heart health.
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Dietary Fiber: The oats and nuts in granola provide dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
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Protein: It offers a moderate amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
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Natural Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup is used as sweeteners, providing a more natural and less refined source of sweetness compared to processed sugars.
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Vitamins and Minerals: This granola can provide essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, magnesium, and phosphorus from the nuts.
Portion Control: While granola is nutritious, it’s calorie-dense, so be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excessive calorie intake. Mixing it with yogurt or fruit can help control portion sizes.
Customization: You can adjust the ingredients and sweeteners to suit your dietary preferences and needs. Using less sweetener or opting for low-sugar alternatives can make it even healthier.
Allergen Awareness: Keep in mind that this recipe contains tree nuts (almonds and walnuts) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.
Enjoy your Almond/Walnut-Coconut Granola as part of a balanced diet for a tasty and nutritious start to your day! 🌰🥥🍯
