Low Fat Crunchy Granola Recipes

HEALTHY GRANOLA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt and cinnamon. Stir to blend.
• Pour in the oil, maple syrup and/or honey and vanilla. Mix well, until every oat and nut is lightly coated. Pour the granola onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer.
• Bake until lightly golden, about 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway (for extra-clumpy granola, press the stirred granola down with your spatula to create a more even layer). The granola will further crisp up as it cools.
• Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed (at least 45 minutes). Top with the dried fruit (and optional chocolate chips, if using). Break the granola into pieces with your hands if you want to retain big chunks, or stir it around with a spoon if you don't want extra-clumpy granola.
• Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. The dried fruit can freeze solid, so let it warm to room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

CRUNCHY GRANOLA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.
• Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and reserve.
• Combine brown sugar and water in a 4-cup microwave proof glass measuring cup or bowl. Place in microwave on high for 5 minutes and cook until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from microwave, add vanilla extract and salt.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, nuts, and brown sugar syrup mixture. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Spread the granola onto cookie sheets and bake 45 minutes to 1 hour or until golden and crunchy.
• When the mixture comes out of the oven, it is still very pliable. You may choose to add in dried fruit as a finishing touch at this time. When granola has cooled completely, store in an airtight container.

CRUNCHY SUGAR-FREE GRANOLA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 225 degrees F (110 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Combine oats, almonds, coconut, sesame seeds, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
• Beat egg whites in a glass, metal, or ceramic bowl until stiff peaks form. Beat in vanilla extract. Fold egg whites into the oat mixture. Spread on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven, stirring every 20 minutes, until granola is crispy, about 1 hour.

LOW FAT CRUNCHY GRANOLA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 275º.
• Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
• Combine brown sugar and water in a 4-cup microwave proof glass measuring cup or bowl.
• Place in microwave on high for 5 minutes and cook until sugar is completely dissolved.
• Remove from microwave, add vanilla and salt.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, nuts, wheat bran, oat bran, wheat germ, coconut, sunflower seeds, and brown sugar syrup mixture.
• Stir until thoroughly mixed.
• Spread the granola onto cookie sheets and bake 45 minutes to 1 hour or until golden and crunchy.
• Stir every fifteen minutes.
• (I use a very large stainless steel bowl instead of a cookie sheet) After baking you may add raisins, dates, or any other dried fruit.
• Yield 14 cups (before adding fruit).