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USANA Test Kitchen: Crunch is Good

USANA Test Kitchen Granola May 2013 Featured

Now that the beautiful spring weather has arrived in Salt Lake, we are on the go more, spending more time outside and going exploring.

Today, I thought I would share a recipe that is versatile and easy to make, and will definitely keep our energy up between meals.

Pumpkin Granola

I have been making adjustments to this recipe over the past few months, and this is pretty much the recipe I will be using from now on. You will see it is very basic, with lots of optional ingredients.

This is about making a healthy, clean granola that has ingredients and flavors you and your family like. I use pumpkin puree, which adds richness to the granola, and a slight drizzle of olive oil to add depth of flavor.

Following the recipe, I list ingredient substitutions to show you have versatile this recipe is.

From the USANA Test Kitchen — Granola

This granola recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Give it a try, and add your own flair to the recipe. Please let us know what you think!

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups gluten-free old fashioned oats (I use Bob’s Red Mill.)
1 tbsp Fibergy Plus
2 scoops Nutrimeal
1/2 – 3/4 cup maple syrup (or agave, whichever you prefer)
1/4 cup pumpkin puree (I made lots in the fall and froze it. So glad I did!)
A pinch of salt
Cinnamon to taste

Optional
Olive Oil
Quinoa (uncooked)
Pumpkin Seeds
Sesame Seeds
Sunflower Seeds

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Mix together oats, Fibergy Plus, Nutrimeal, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Add the maple syrup and pumpkin puree.
  4. Spread mixture on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  5. Drizzle a little olive oil, if using.
  6. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, quinoa. I probably use about a tablespoon of each. You can use as much as you want, though.
  7. Mix quickly, just to make sure the additional ingredients are spread evenly.
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes. This will depend upon your oven. Stir frequently. It will begin to brown, and essentially dry out.
  9. Remove from oven. Store in an air tight container once cooled off.

Now the Fun Begins

As you can see from the optional ingredients above, you can add whatever you want to this recipe to make it your own. Instead of pumpkin puree, you could use applesauce or another fruit or vegetable puree you like.

Before or after it is cooked, you could add coconut, wheat bran (if you do not need to keep the granola gluten-free), or nuts. I usually add any nuts or dried fruit after I cook it. This way, we can use it in a variety of ways.

Speaking of which, I share two of our favorite ways to eat granola in this video. Take a look.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg3CI04kBnU[/youtube]

If you’re unable to view the video, please visit the USANA YouTube channel.

Get Cooking

I am excited to hear your favorite add ins to this granola recipe. So give it a try, and share your variations in the comments.

Don’t forget that Nutrimeal single serve pouches are still on special. If you are taking a trip or just having a busy day running around, why not have a Nutrimeal shake with your granola?

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3 replies
  1. Nadia
    Nadia says:

    I love love love granola..and never thought of making my own until today! Cannot wait to try these recipes!
    We all love granola at my house, our favorite recipes are:
    Sprinkled over lots of fruits with almond/coconut milk (way better than sugary cereals!)
    I also tried this morning an apple sandwich, with peanut butter and granola ..yummy!!

    Reply
  2. Carol Barstad
    Carol Barstad says:

    Such a delicious sounding recipe.
    No chocolate required (I’m allergic to chocolate)
    It will be so filling and good for all.
    We must all reduce the amt of sugar we consume.

    Also add something new to add for bkf. POssibly our most important meal of the day.
    Thanks os much for the recipe.
    Carol Barstad

    Reply

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