Making sugar-free granola

When in doubt, make granola.

Or something like that.

I’ve always been a huge fan of granola, ever since I patiently looked it up in the dictionary after reading about a ‘granola bar’ in one of my Baby Sitters Club books when I was twelve.

Never mind I had never had one – if it was the snack of choice for a bunch of pre-teen girls who were given way too much responsibility (and their own phone line!!!) and wondered how they ended up having so many adventures including being jealous of the cute 8th grader Mary-Ann somehow snagged despite being the most boring member of the club, then it was good enough for me!

And I wonder why my parents took away my books from me.

Years later, I actually got to see granola in the flesh (or as much it can be as it contains no meat at all – heyyyy….wouldn’t that be an…? Ok stop. Too far.) in the guise of ‘Oat Clusters’ at my local supermarket.

With the invention of the internet and my discovery of blogs, I found the real granola and also how to make your own.

Why would you make your own?

Well, for one – those ‘Oat Clusters’ – as much as they try and advertise it as health food, they usually contain an insane amount of fat and sugar.

So, on a rainy weekend gone by, I decided to make some granola.

Oh – and make it fructose-free. (Because you know, sugar is evil)

(Kidding)

(Slightly)

I’m not a sugar-hater, but if I can substitute it with something that won’t do damage to my body like sugar will, then I’m all for it. (If you don’t believe me – read this)

Peanut Butter Granola (makes 4 half-cup serves)

• 1 cup rolled oats (use gluten free-oats to make this gluten free)
• 2 Tb natural smooth Peanut butter (I used chunky too and was just as yummy)
• 1/3 cup Brown rice syrup (you can use agave/maple syrup/honey if you like – just something brown and sticky. Just not a stick. Bwahahaha. Err… I suck at recipes)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract/essence (I use essence because surprise! – Pure vanilla extract has sugar in it. Sigh.)

1. In a medium bowl, add the brown rice syrup and peanut butter. Microwave for approx 30 seconds until warm. Mix together with cinnamon and vanilla.

2. Add the oats and make sure it’s all coated nice and evenly

3. Oops! Make sure your oven is heated to about 170 C. Spread the oat mixture flat on a baking tray lined with baking paper/parchment .

4. Place in oven for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

5. Take out and let cool.

6. Eat with a splash of almond milk or some plain greek yogurt!

Each serve of only granola is just under 200 calories (it will depend on the peanut butter you use) with 21g carbs of which is 4.3g sugar and 3g fibre/5.9g protein/8.2g fat

Fructose Free Healthy Nutty Coconut Granola (approx 6-8  50g serves)

I started experimenting a little and the beauty about granola is that you can put in any combination of things you love to make something tasty. Feel free to substitute with some dried fruit (will not make it fructose-free), choc bits or different nuts and seeds.

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup raw almonds
• 1/4 cup shredded/desiccated coconut
• 1/4 cup ground flax seed/meal (a great source of fibre!)
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 2 Tb sesame seeds
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
• 1/3 cup brown rice syrup
• 2 Tb coconut oil

1. In a small bowl, heat the coconut oil and brown rice syrup and mix together well. Add the spices and

2. In a medium-large bowl, add the rest of the dry ingredients.

3. Pour the oil-syrup mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well

4. Spread  mixture flat on a baking tray lined with baking paper/parchment.

5. Place in 170 C oven for about 15-20 mins. Keep an eye on it and flip over halfway so it doesn’t burn.

6. Take out and let cool before devouring.

(My breakfast of choice on days when I’m running late. Easy to take to work and eat with a latte and your laptop by your side )

Based on 8 serves – each serve of granola is approx 211 calories with 16g fat (all good stuff from the nuts and coconut oil)/5g protein/11.25g carbs with 2.5g sugar and 3.6g fibre).

I find it incredibly filling because of the fibre and the fats and it hits the spot with some plain yogurt which is high in protein. It also keeps really well in an air-tight container/jar as well, but seriously it tastes so good that it won’t stay around for very long!

Enjoy!

Are you a granola fan? Actually – are you a Baby Sitters Club fan? Fave character?? I always loved Dawn because of her hippie name and long hair.