As we know well, good nutrition is incredibly important to a growing child, but it also has to be tasty and appealing. In keeping with that goal, homemade granola is a wonderful food for children. Not only can they have it with milk for breakfast, but it makes for a nutritious portable snack anytime and anyplace. It is a perfect finger food for those independent two year olds, who would rather “do it themselves!” I do hope the little ones in your lives will enjoy this healthy recipe! Enjoy.
HOMEMADE GRANOLA
INGREDIENTS:
½ cup pumpkin seeds
½ cup sunflower seeds
½ cup of any other nuts: cashews, almonds, walnuts
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
3 to 4 shakes of cardamom
Light sprinkle of nutmeg
Light sprinkle of ground ginger
2 cups of rolled oats
¼ cup of Earth Balance organic vegan buttery spread
½ cup of real maple syrup
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Place the seeds, nuts and spices in a dry frying pan to roast. Stir the mixture and shake the pan frequently until the mixture releases a fragrant aroma, about 7 minutes or until the mixture has turned a golden brown.
Liquify the Earth balance separately and pour over the mixture and work it in well with a spatula. Add the maple syrup and work that in until the mixture is starting to stick together.
Spread the mixture out on a non stick baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to burn on the bottom. After cooling, break the granola into bite sized chunks and store in a mason jar. Enjoy!
WARNING: This granola should only be given to children with molars who can chew well. If not, it could be a choking hazard.