Anytime Granola

by Ashley Fagan

photo credit @kitchencoma via Instagram

I am slightly obsessed with granola. Not that store bought, card board textured, unappealingly bland nonsense you buy in the supermarket of course! Granola is so simple to make at home and SO  MUCH BETTER then anything you can buy off a shelf! This lovely homemade, protein rich, whole grain, subtly sweet, slightly salty, crunchy little bite sized bits of deliciousness is so good you'll find it hard to find an excuse not to eat it throughout your entire day, hence the name "Anytime Granola". Whether it be post morning workout, afternoon lunch or late night snack, this granola is sure to be a new favorite in your home!

Makes about 6 cups prepared

2 Egg Whites
1/4 Cup Pure Maple Syrup
3 T. Olive Oil
1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
1 Tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 Tsp. Kosher Salt
1/2 Tsp. Ground Ginger
1/2 Tsp. Turmeric
1 1/2 Cups Rolled Oats
1 Cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
1/2 Cup Pecan Pieces
1/2 Cup Slivered Almonds
1/2 Cup Pumpkin Seeds
1/3 Cup Millet
2 T. Sesame Seeds
1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg whites through turmeric until well combined. Add the oats through sesame seeds and stir together with a rubber spatula until everything is nicely coated. 

Pour the mixture onto the parchment lined baking sheet and spread out in an even layer using a rubber spatula.

Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven and set your timer for 15 minutes. Remove the granola from the oven and give it a good toss with the rubber spatula then spread back out into an even layer. Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 15 minutes then remove and toss again. Finish the granola for another 10 minutes then remove from the oven and rest until completely cool. Add the dried cranberries and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. 

My favorite way to eat this lovely granola is piled on top of unsweetened Greek yogurt with a handful of fresh blueberries and a drizzle of local honey! Yum!