healthy eating:: granola goodness

Here's part two of this week's focus on some of  my favorite healthy food recipes. Read part one here.

When I joined Weight Watchers, someone told me to stay away from granola, because it was so high in calories. Well. I love homemade granola, and by trimming my recipe back just a bit on the fats and the extras like dried fruit, I can still enjoy it for breakfast! Here's the thing: granola fills you up. So I can eat 1/2 cup of granola with 1/2 cup skim milk, and have a banana on the side, and its a great, filling breakfast for 7 Weight Watchers Points+.

Granola Goodness

Preheat oven to 250 F.
Line two rimmed baking trays with parchment paper (very important to prevent sticking!)

In a large bowl, mix together your dry ingredients:

• 4 cups old-fashioned (rolled) oats
• 1 cup sliced almonds (or nut of your choice)
• 1 cup shredded coconut (yes, I use the sweetened kind)

In a pyrex measuring cup whisk together:

•  1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 1/2 T. vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

Pour wet ingredients over dry and stir well to coat evenly. Spread in the baking trays (mine is usually about 1" thick) and bake at 250 F. Stir every 15 minutes and rotate trays in oven. Granola is done when it smells fabulous and turns golden brown. Do not over cook...it will still be sticky when you pull it out. Let cool completely on trays and store in airtight containers in refrigerator or freezer. Makes about 8 cups.

 Look at all that yummy goodness!
(Note: if you like dried fruit, etc in your granola, add it just before storing)

Serving:  1/2 cup, 6 Weight Watchers points+

Tomorrows tidbit: Eggs for dinner!