spiced toasted oats

This granola is fan-freakintastic. With all of its of healthy fats, protein and just a little bit of spice (which can be tweaked to your liking) it can be a healthful alternative to unhealthy breakfast cereals, or a perfect mid-afternoon snack. The mildly sweet, cinnamon-apple flavors complement the tartness of plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese beautifully. (Side bar: great to share with friend-hopefuls, co-workers you don’t hate, or someone you’re trying to trick into marrying you.)

What you need: 

• 2-3 cups rolled oats 
• 1.5 cups raw, unsalted mixed nuts
• 1/4 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut
• 1 cup apple juice (or 1.5 cups apple sauce) 
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ginger powder
• pinch of: nutmeg, salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder (or 1 whole cinnamon stick) 
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (if you want) 

Steps: 

1. Combine apple juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt and vanilla into a pan on low heat. Let simmer 10 minutes. 
2. Combine oats, coconut, and mixed nuts into a bowl. Pour the heated contents of the pan over the dry mixture. 
3. Toss until all oats are thoroughly coated. 
4. Heat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Lay parchment paper over a baking sheet. Spread the mixture across the pan, make sure to create an even, thin layer to ensure all the oats are toasted. 
5. Bake for 45-60 minutes, making sure to move the granola around every fifteen minutes to ensure crunchiness. 
6. (If adding dried fruit, add it in 10 minutes before the granola is done). 
7. Let cool, and enjoy with cottage cheese, yogurt, almond milk, or just by itself!