Our “normal” state of doing things is in a running mode. There are too many things to do, and too little time to accomplish them all. On a typical morning, by 9 a.m. I would have a load of laundry going, a loaf of bread rising in my bread machine, a toddler hanging on my leg or on my arm and played with intermittently, and dinner started. My philosophy is that if you move fast, you can accomplish a lot within a short period of time.
We also run outside. And sort dirt, because somebody has to do it. We take dirt-sorting very seriously.
While we do all this running around like Energizer bunnies, we spend a lot of energy. Our favorite way to refuel is a bowl of Greek Yogurt with granola. Kids ask for it when they get hungry, and baby steals mine, so I learned to fix myself a larger bowl to share with her.
Greek yogurt is higher in protein and low in sugar, compared to regular yogurt. Combined with low-fat granola and some fresh fruit, it is a perfect snack or breakfast.
I make a batch of this granola about once a week and keep it in a container on the counter. It comes together really quick, and I am covered for snacks and breakfasts for everyone for a week!
Easy Low-fat Granola:
- 2 cups rolled oats (I use old-fashioned)
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup coarsely chopped nuts of your choice (I use a mix of pecans and almonds)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (or to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Method:
Preheat oven to 320 F.
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
Spread not thicker than half-inch on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, for easier clean-up.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring twice while it’s baking. Note: if you use honey in place of maple syrup, baking time will be shorter. Granola will continue baking after you take it out of the oven, so be careful not to overbake.
Once you make it once or twice, you will figure out the exact time your granola needs. Ovens vary a lot, so you’ll need to watch it for the first time you make it.
Once granola has cooled down, you can add dried fruit if you like. I don’t do that because we usually top ours with fresh fruit.
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Ann Drake says
February 25, 2014 at 12:35 amHi Mila! This looks delish. I only recently started eating greek yogurt on a daily basis. Adding in this granola would be amazing! Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving such a nice comment. Good luck with your blog…it looks like you have a fantastic start!
mila bassett says
February 25, 2014 at 1:06 amHi Ann! I am so glad you stopped by, and thank you for the kind words! I was happy to discover the snack of Greek yogurt with granola and fruit, and now it is my daily snack. It almost feels like cheating and eating dessert.
Anonymous says
February 26, 2014 at 2:31 pmHi Mila! What an awesome granola! Nothing can be fresher than home made granola! My 2.5 year old son absolutely loves it!
Ollie
mila bassett says
February 26, 2014 at 3:11 pmHi Ollie, so glad to hear that! Thanks for stopping by:)
Sandy says
February 28, 2014 at 7:44 pmMilan, I follow Ann’s blog and was pleased to see your homemade recipe for granola there posted today. I always snacked on Greek yogurt with fruit when I taught. I will now add granola and fancy up parfaits. Thank you.
Sandy says
February 28, 2014 at 7:47 pmSorry, Mila. I should have checked my comment before printing. How many times I told my eighth graders to reread before printing;)
mila bassett says
February 28, 2014 at 8:10 pmNo problem at all, Sandy. I’ve done it too many times myself– and that’s after proof-reading!
mila bassett says
February 28, 2014 at 8:09 pmHi Sandy! So glad you stopped by. I hope you will enjoy the granola on your yogurt as much as I do. I am totally addicted:) It almost tastes like dessert! With apple sauce in place of fruit it is an ultimate healthy version of apple pie (not that I will ever consider giving up apple pie)!
Jeannie C says
March 1, 2014 at 1:50 pmHi, I found your site from Ann on Sutton Place. I will certainly be trying your granola recipe! I love granola for breakfast.
mila bassett says
March 1, 2014 at 3:09 pmHi Jeannie, thanks for stopping by! Glad to meet another granola fan:) This recipe is so easy and tasty, there is no need to buy granola anymore.
Morganizewithme@gmail.com says
March 8, 2014 at 8:00 amTwo of my favorite things! I’m excited to try making my own now! Thanks for linking up and for sharing such a great recipe. xoxo
mila bassett says
March 8, 2014 at 2:30 pmHi Morgan, I hope you and your family will like it. Have a great weekend!:)
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
March 20, 2014 at 2:16 pmI love granola, and usually look at the store-bought, and put it back. I’ve never tried making my own, but this looks so easy, I’m going to give it a try!
mila bassett says
March 20, 2014 at 2:42 pmAmy, I literally make it once a week, everyone in my family eats it with yogurt, on a PB&J (it adds a little crunch which my kids love), or with milk. I hope you like it!
Anonymous says
March 20, 2014 at 4:00 pmThis sounds very good BUT WHY on earth are you using canola oil?? It’s loaded with gmo’s , insecticide/poison and unhealthy fats. And you’re feeding this to your baby.
Use coconut oil instead.
It’s healthier all the way around. It provides natural energy and has a huge assortment of heath benefits.
mila bassett says
March 20, 2014 at 6:49 pmThanks for your comment and your question, Anonymous! The short answer to your question: I make my food choices based on my extensive research of credible (peer reviewed professional publications), as opposed to non-expert, enthusiasts-driven publications). In addition, I am in the habit of looking past the pressures of marketing, and try to focus on the facts behind a current trend, in any area, not just nutrition. Having a pretty good grip on the basics of High School Science definitely helps me with that. That’s why canola oil is my fat of choice in cooking.
Alexis says
March 20, 2014 at 4:48 pmThis looks perfect–so simple and yummy!
mila bassett says
March 20, 2014 at 6:37 pmThanks, Alexis! Simple and yummy is our goal:)
Tiffany says
April 6, 2014 at 5:22 pmSounds yummy, but what are your nutritional stats? So far every low fat granola recipe I’ve seen that did have stats was not what I would call low fat. I’d love to hear the numbers on this one!
mila bassett says
April 7, 2014 at 2:20 amTiffany, thanks for your comment. Good question! I will try to get the nutritional numbers for this granola. I know exactly what you mean by numbers not reflecting the nature of the recipe. In this recipe, I cut the oil to the minimum that, as I found, was required to keep the mixture well toasted and crunchy. I started with much higher quantities and kept reducing it, without any negative effect on the taste or texture. The main source of fat here is the nuts, and this part is flexible: it is fine to up or down their quantity and use the type of nuts that you prefer (pecans obviously will give higher fat stats than almonds).
Handvsmom says
April 6, 2014 at 7:39 pmVery simple! I love it!