Cranberry Nut Granola

Last week, I taught my first class of college students about the importance of healthy snacking throughout the day. We reviewed a slew of recipes or quick-grab and go ideas. More importantly, we reviewed the energy that healthy snacks provide by keeping metabolism steady throughout the day…preventing that famished feeling you might feel at the end of the day. This is one of my favorite granola recipes. I change it a little every time, adding different nuts, dried fruits, and or extracts. It is so easy to make too! So, grab your coffee or tea, and bask in the simplicity of this treat.

Ingredients:

Syrup:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 large egg whites
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ tsp almond extract

Oat mixture:

• 3 cup old-fashioned oats
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted peanuts
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Line baking sheets with foil or parchment paper. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a small saucepan, stir sugar and maple syrup until sugar dissolves. Set aside, and allow mixture to cool.
3. In large bowl, whisk egg whites, spices, and extracts. Stir in sugar mixture.
4. Add oats, nuts, brown sugar, and fruit.Bake for 30 minutes. Turn over granola. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until granola is golden brown