With
egg whites replacing the usual fats (butter or oil), this crunchy, low
in fat, flavorful granola works wonders in a Granola/Yogurt Breakfast
Parfait. I find the almonds positively addictive...
1/2 cup brown sugar**
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup egg whites (about 2 large egg whites)
1 Tbs vanilla extract
2 tsp cinnamon
A couple pinches of freshly ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground dried ginger
pinch clove (optional)
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup ground flax meal
1/4 cup ground flax meal
3/4 cup halved almonds
1 cup dried fruit mix (cranberries, blueberries, raisins - we used Trader Joe's Golden Berry Blend)
3 Tbs pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Preheat oven to
300ยบ. Generously coat a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
Stir 1/4 cup of the brown sugar and the syrup in a small saucepan over
low heat until sugar dissolves, occasionally brushing down the sides
with a wet pastry brush. Set aside to cool. In a small bowl, whisk
together the egg whites, vanilla and spices. Add to the cooled syrup
mixture. In a large bowl combine the oats, flax meal, additional 1/4
cup of sugar, and nuts. Add the syrup mixture and toss well to coat the
ingredients evenly.
Spread the
mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake about 15 minutes,
then stir. Bake another 10 minutes, stir again. Bake until a rich
golden brown in color, watching closely towards the end to avoid
burning.
Remove from oven and pour into a large bowl, stir in dried fruits and pepitas. Cool, then place into airtight containers.
** The original recipe from Epicurious calls for 3/4 cup of brown sugar, this was just too sweet for us, but if you want sweeter up the sugar.
** The original recipe from Epicurious calls for 3/4 cup of brown sugar, this was just too sweet for us, but if you want sweeter up the sugar.
