Granola with Dried Raspberries, Dark Chocolate and Almonds

This granola is great paired with milk, as part of a Greek yogurt parfait, or plain as an on-the-go snack. Better yet, this granola contains less fat and sugar than many store-bought brands and is super easy to make! Oats offer up way more than fiber – they also are suspected of having strong anti-microbial properties and also contain a ton of antioxidants! Paired with dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) and raspberries, this snack is full of compounds that reduce oxidative stress! Grab a handful after a workout and neutralize potentially harmful free radicals while fueling up with carbs and protein!

Ingredients (yields 2.5 C, serves 10):

2 C rolled oats

1/2 C sliced almonds (unsalted)

1/3 C dried raspberries

2 oz dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)

1 Tbsp water

1 Tbsp honey

2 Tbsp canola oil

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

2. Combine wet ingredients (water, honey, oil, vanilla extract) in medium bowl.

3. Add rolled oats to bowl and mix into wet ingredients with hands.

4. Place parchment paper (or aluminum foil) on baking sheet. Pour contents from bowl onto parchment paper and spread into thin, even layer.

5. Place baking sheet in oven and bake approximately 45 minutes. Stir ingredients every 10-15 minutes.

6. Remove baking sheet from oven. Add almonds and mix ingredients. Spread into thin, even layer. Place back in oven for 20-25 minutes.

7.Remove baking sheet from oven and allow granola to cool (about 15 minutes). Transfer contents into large bowl, Tupperware or plastic bag. Add dried raspberries. Break chocolate into small pieces and add to granola. Serve or store (granola should last approximately 2-3 weeks, if stored properly).

The Goods: What’s Inside?

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving (1 serving is 1/4 C granola)

Calories 171 calories, Fat 9 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 2 mg, Carbohydrates 20 g, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 6 g, Protein 5 g, Calcium 33 mg