Are you looking for healthy snacks for the kids or something to take along to work for those moments when you get the munchies? I've read time and time again that making your own granola is supposed to be more cost-effective and healthier for you, but I've yet to find a recipe for it that actually sounded like it was any good. I spotted this one and immediately thought the idea of using the slow cooker for it sounded like fun, at the least, and at only a few minutes of prep time, it's pretty efficient. A 1/2 cup serving apparently provides 5g of protein, 19mg of calcium, and 4g of fiber. Hmmm...now to limit it to a real half-cup serving if it does turn out good!
Here's the recipe:
Slow Cooker Granola
What You Need:
- 2 1/2 C old-fashioned oats
- 1 C chopped pecans
- 3/4 C coconut flakes
- 1/3 C wheat germ
- 2 T sesame seeds (optional)
- 1/2 C honey (little tip: spritz your measuring cup with non-stick spray first, it keeps the honey from sticking so badly when you pour it out again!)
- 1/4 C frozen apple-juice concentrate (thawed)
- 2 T brown sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 - 6 oz. bag of dried cranberries
What To Do:
- In your 5-quart slow cooker, stir together the oats, pecans, coconut flakes, wheat germ, and sesame seeds, if you're using them.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the honey, apple-juice concentrate, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Microwave the honey mixture for 1 minute.
- Pour honey mixture into slow cooker crock and stir to combine with dry ingredients.
- Cook for 1 hour on high without the lid. (Didn't expect that one, did you? Me neither!)
- Replace lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for an additional 4 - 5 hours, stirring occasionally. Watch for the granola to turn dry and medium brown to figure the timing.
- Stir in the cranberries and let cool.
Be sure to store this one in an airtight container. I think it'd be interesting with golden raisins or other goodies in it too, personally. Try it out and let me know if you add anything else to your batch of granola!
(Want more recipes? Go see what Sandra and the other ladies are cooking up in their CrockPots too!)
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