Thursday, February 18, 2010

Cherry Almond Low Fat Granola

It's that time of year again to send a care package to my daughter who lives in Seoul, South Korea. I went to the mall yesterday (a rarity for me) to get a few requested items. Sephora was first on the list and then I went on an OPI nail polish hunt. Of course, there has to be food involved in this package. She wants some good ol' comfort food like Annie's Mac 'n Cheese and then on the exotic end, Indian spices from London. Since she loves healthy food, I am making granola with some of her favorite ingredients. My son is coming home for college spring break next week, so I'm making a large batch. It is low fat and packed with whole grains. I often make it with just old fashioned oats, but today I used a combination of 50% oats, 23% wheat flakes, 17% barley flakes and 10% rice flakes. And how do I know those exact percentages you ask? Ha, I bought an 8 cup bag of mixed grains that listed the percentages. You may use a favorite combination of grains or just old fashioned rolled oats. This granola is sweetened with honey and agave nectar. Agave nectar has the advantage of having a low glycemic index. If you can't find it, then maple syrup or all honey may be substituted. I think I'll feel a little better knowing she'll start her day in a healthful way....because you know, a mother never stops worrying.
Cherry Almond Low Fat Granola

8 cups old fashioned rolled oats, or a combination of mixed grain flakes
1 cup pecans
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup agave nectar

1 cup dried unsweetened cherries
1/2 cup dried blueberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Have ready a 11x17x1 inch nonstick sheet pan.

In a large bowl, mix the oats, cinnamon, pecans, almonds, and coconut. Add the honey and agave nectar while stirring to mix thoroughly.
Make sure all of the honey and agave nectar are evenly mixed in. Spread on the sheet pan and put in the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown, stirring about every 5 minutes. Be careful it doesn't burn or get too brown around the edges. Once it is a golden brown color, take out of the oven and add the dried fruit. Let cool, put in an airtight covered container and store for up to 2 weeks.

Serve for breakfast with milk or yogurt or eat it just plain for a quick snack.

Cherry Almond Low Fat Granola recipe, click here.

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12 comments:

a quiet life said...

your daughter is so cute, i love the elephant shot and prop! do you get to hand deliever the pkg with you bonus job perks?

gorgeous pics, great post!

La Table De Nana said...

She is so cute cute cute:) A smile that could light the universe.
Everything looks grand here:) Love the elephants:) I hope you have a ball with your son:)
The light's just right:)

linda said...

diane... definitely see the resemblance between you & sam.
looks like she is getting a super "care" package!

purchased the agave for your double chocolate pecan tarts...so now i have 2 reasons to break it open!!

was your first post august 2008? :)

Deana Sidney said...

If you put an elephant in it I am sold... lovely girl!! I love granola and this is a great recipe... much thanks!

Karen @ Mignardise said...

She's adorable!
What's she doing on Korea?

You're such a good mom to send her a nice care package, with homemade granola. I haven't tried agave yet, but I will soon.

2 Stews said...

Jain, I wish I could just twitch my nose and be there to deliver it! It is about a full 24 hours to get there. I am really hoping to get there before she comes back in October. I miss her too much!

Monique...thanks...she was on vacation in Thailand in these pics. And I was worried about whether she wore sunscreen (that was the least of my worries!!) You should see the other pics...such adventures!

Linda...thanks...I can see a resemblance too, with the pics being so close together. My neighbor introduced me to agave nectar. It doesn't spike the blood sugar like many sugars do. Yes, my very first post here was about her leaving on her adventure. A new chapter began in both of our lives.

Deana...Yes there is something about elephants that seems so exotic. I've never been this close to one, though! Hope you enjoy the granola. We love cherries, but you can add your own favorite dried fruit after baking.

Karen...she has been teaching art in Seoul for a year and a half. She is trying to go to Israel this summer on a break. Maybe one day we'll get her back!

Thanks for visiting!

Diane

Zurin said...

Diane, ur daughter is so sweet and the one with the elephant is so cute!
Yes we mothers worry about EVERYTHING dont we...I too worry if my children are wearing sunscreen or not ...isnt that funny!

the Gronola looks beautiful n healthy...ur daughter is going to be so pleased. I think m going to make some too since I already have some rolled oats and flaked almonds...tq for reminding me (^_^)

Ju (The Little Teochew) said...

Diane! Your daughter is so pretty!! Aww, it doesn't take a lot to see where she got her good genes from ... the little profile pic on the right says it all. :) Love the pics! The ones with the milk and honey being poured .. wow. You're such a doting mom!!

grace said...

if you and my mom are representative of most moms out there, the mothering never ever stops. :)
i'm sure your daughter appreciates both the goodies and knowing that you care so very much.
lovely post!

Kate at Serendipity said...

This looks like a wonderful care package. Will you adopt me?

I love the last photo too. Man, look at that! Gorgeous.

Maria said...

Just found your blog. Love it. The granola looks wonderful and the photos are beautiful...and so is your daughter!

Anonymous said...

This looks delicious! I love making homemade granola-it' so much tastier than anything you find in the stores! I have a recipe on my blog-I usually make it with dried cranberries and apricots but the cherries and blueberries sound great!