Grandma’s Sweetheart Granola – For Your Valentine
RUTHFOOD BLOG By Ruth Lahmayer Chipps, MS, RD
As Valentine ’s Day approaches, consider making this delicious granola for your sweetheart that provides heart health benefits and incredible ginger-infused flavor. Pair it with yogurt and fresh fruit for a tasty breakfast; add to parfaits and use as a topping on ice cream or frozen yogurt. My mom (Grandma) has perfected this tropical pina colada granola recipe over the years to maximize taste and minimize added fat and sugar.
Sweetheart Pina Colada Granola 4 Tablespoons butter 2 Tablespoons Canola oil 1 c. slivered almonds 6 c. old fashioned oats 1 ½ c. shredded coconut ½ c. honey or brown sugar (optional-use sugar substitute for half of the sugar) 2 t. coconut extract 1 t. orange extract 1 t. pineapple extract
¼ t. salt 1 c. dried fruit (cranberries, apricots, plums, etc.) 2/3 c. crystallized ginger, minced
Method: Turn oven to 400 degrees. In a large pan, melt the butter (in oven). Add the oil, coconut, orange and pineapple extracts. Add the oats, almonds, coconut, honey/brown sugar. Bake until slightly brown on top, stir, bake again until slightly brown, 2 or 3 times until as crisp as you want it. Take out, allow to cool, then add the dried fruit and ginger. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy for breakfast and as a topping on ice cream or frozen yogurt.
Good Taste, Good Health!
