So we all know that eating a nutritious breakfast will really set us up for the day and it is arguably the most important meal of the day. However mornings are often busy so granola can be a quick and easy choice. A  balanced meal includes complex carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats and veg/fruit so, this ticks all the boxes if you serve it with some fruit. I like to top my morning smoothie with it but, you can serve it simply with milk or yogurt (or dairy free alternative) or top your morning porridge with it for some added protein and healthy fats.  Oats are a great source of complex carbohydrates to give you long lasting energy and the nuts and seeds are a great source of protein and healthy fats. I have tried lots of granola recipes over the years so, this is a combination of several that I have tried. Shop bought granolas make life easier but they tend to be high in sugar so I’d recommend making your own. I have used brown rice syrup which is a much healthier sweetener option. If you can get buckwheat flakes they are a great source of nutrition & also make a lovely crunchy granola.

Ingredients

300g rolled oats (or buckwheat flakes if available)
3 tbsp (or more) raw pumpkin or sunflower seeds
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp nut butter
1 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
3 tbsp brown rice syrup
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
50g chopped dates (or alternative dried fruit of choice)
50g coconut flakes (optional)
100g (or more) almonds or other nuts chopped
1 tsp orange zest

Preheat oven to 150F & line large baking sheet with paper

Tip oats, seeds & cinnamon into a large bowl & stir well

Melt coconut oil, combine with nut butter & maple syrup, then add the rice syrup & vanilla extract

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients & stir until well combined.

Transfer onto baking sheet & bake for 25-28 mins, stirring a few times to ensure it bakes evenly

Remove from oven and stir in dates, coconut & almonds & bake for 5 mins.

Remove from oven, stir in orange zest & let it cool completely