Granola Bits
So we know granola is a good thing for us in general, but commercial granola bars are mostly full of refined sugars and corn syrup. You can use store-bought granola for this recipe (I like any of the Nature’s Path Granolas), or you can make your own, like the Crunchy Apple Pie Granola recipe here. I would go for 35-45 minutes – they can get a little hard if you leave them in too long. Mix up the cranberries with other dried fruit as you see fit.
Ingredients
1/3 cup organic 100% peanut butter or almond butter
1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
1 whole egg
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a combo of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, etc.)
2 1/2 cups granola
3/4 cup dried cranberries
Preheat oven 250 F. Grease a 12 cup muffin tin with butter or olive oil. Set aside. In a medium bowl, beat together nut butter and maple syrup on medium speed of electric mixer. Add egg and spices and beat again until smooth. Stir in granola and cranberries, Divide mixture evenly among muffin cups. Bake on middle rack for 45 min. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack before removing clusters from pan. Store in an airtight container.
Adapted from Janet & Greta Podleski, Eat, Shrink, and Be Merry!
Nutritional Value of Select Ingredients
Almonds – Almonds are called the king of nuts because they are high in calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, folic acid, EFA’s, and protein. Loaded with phytonutrients, they are called the anti-cancer nut.
Maple Syrup – This natural sweetener contains a high amount of manganese, which is essential for energy production and antioxidant defenses. It is also high in zinc, required for good arteries, skin, and the immune system.
Oats – This grain is a great source of complex carbs, and is high in protein and fibre. They can help normalize blood sugar levels, and are good for a sluggish thyroid. Oats are high in tryptophan, iron, and phytochemicals.
Cranberries – Great for the kidneys, bladder, and skin, these tart berries are full of vitamin C, fibre, calcium, iron, and other minerals; and phytonutrients like beta-carotene and quercetin. They are useful in the treatment of asthma, cystitis, kidney stones, and bladder stones.
