Nutty Cinnamon Granola

Oats are always a great choice to start the day, but the monotony of a daily oatmeal bowl can get old very fast. Switch up your breakfast by meal-prepping a batch of healthy granola!

Sunflower seeds are a great source of essential fats which help to lower the blood sugar response from the maple syrup. They make this granola slower to digest, and provide more protein to fuel our bodies for longer. They are also one of the most cost-effective seeds, so it doesn't strain the budget to load up on them. Using a base of oats plus ground sunflower seeds increases satiety, and helps avoid the mid-morning blood sugar crash from your typical breakfast cereals.

Try sprinkling this granola on top of a smoothie, protein shake, yogurt, or berries as a delicious and nourishing way to start the day.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rolled oats

• 1 1/2 cups ground sunflower seeds

• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut

• 1 Tbsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp ginger

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract

• Optional: dried fruits and nuts of your choice, I like figs, pumpkin seeds and Brazil nuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Blend sunflower seeds into a course powder. Add all dry ingredients and toss together. Add maple syrup, olive oil, and vanilla and stir until combined. Press onto 1 large or 2 small baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mat.

Bake for 20 minutes, then stir with a spatula to loosen up the crispy bottom.

Bake for 15 minutes and stir again.

Bake for 10 more minutes and stir, granola should be browned, and alllmost dry.

Turn oven off, then place granola back in oven to cool.

Once cooled, add dried fruits and nuts, and enjoy!