Granola for fellow Granolas

According to the “Urban Dictionary,” granola can be defined as:

“An adjective used to describe people who are environmentally aware (flower child, tree-hugger), open-minded, left-winged, socially aware and active, gay friendly, anti-oppressive/discriminatory (racial, sexual, gender, class, age, etc.) with an organic and natural emphasis on living, who might refrain from consuming or using anything containing animals and animal by-products (for health and/or environmental reasons), as well as limit consumption of what he or she does consume, as granola people are usually concerned about wasting resources. Usually buy only fair-trade goods and refrain from buying from large corporations, as most exploit the environment as well as their workers, which goes against granola core values. The choice of not removing body hair (see ‘amazon’) and drug use are not characteristics that define granola people, and people, regardless of granola status, may or may not partake in said activities. This definition is sometimes confused with hippie.”

I’d like to wear the “granola” badge proudly, and I’ll bet this granola recipe can bring out the granola that lives deep down in you too! Okay, it’s a goofy thought but if tree-huggin’ ain’t your gig, this will at least get you rolling for a perfect day living your best life. We have a lot of breakfast-y recipes on here so far, probably because it’s the meal that sets us up for success throughout our busy day. If Shaun or I run or bike or swim for an hour in the morning then just grab an apple on the way out the door, by my 11am class my blood sugar drops so low I can’t tell if my professors are talking about multilaterism or mutiny. Protein + whole grain + fruit = superhero status throughout the morning.

This granola is pack pack packed with goodies from the exciting bulk aisle in Whole Foods or your local health food store. Although nuts and seeds are high in calories, they have tons of fiber and good fats (omegas 3, 6…), antioxidants and protein. The nuts and and seeds used here have plenty of:

Manganese: important in metabolizing carbs and amino acids, and also promotes bone health and energy production. Copper: metabolizes iron, the formation of red blood cells, and strengthens the immune system. Magnesium: nervous and musculatory system regulation. Phosphorous: protein synthesis, muscle contraction, and bone strength. Thiamin: (another) carbohydrate metabolizer. Omega 6 fatty acids: ding ding ding! These play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids , they help stimulate skin and hair growth, maintain bone health, regulate metabolism, stabilize cholesterol and maintain the reproductive system.

To make a big batch (and please do, it will disappear quickly) combine the following ingredients in a jumbo glass bowl:

• 3-4 cups quick oats
• 2 cups plain kamut puffs
• 1 cup crushed raw walnuts
• 1 cup crushed raw almonds
• 1/2 cup crushed raw pecans
• 1/2 cup crushed raw cashews
• 1 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup raw coconut flakes
• 3/4 cup unsweetened raisins
• 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
• 1/3 cup chia seeds
• 2 tbsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup maple or brown rice syrup (you might need a bit more, stir first to see!)

Lay flat on two cookie sheets or low pans in the oven at 250 for 45 minutes. Let cool, then crumble into bags or tupperware to store. Enjoy by the handful or mix with berries or a banana and a 1/2 cup of ice cold almond or rice milk. Go granola!