I have always loved granola but recently have found it hard to buy varieties at the store that don’t contain lots of added sugars or are in the neutral flavors I know will pair well with my smoothie bowls. So I started making my own! I have absolutely LOVED it. It’s incredibly easy and allows me to control the amount of sugar, types of nuts, and flavor of my creation.

I am a big fan of chai tea so this recipe instantly caught my eye. However, it has cemented itself as my new favorite thanks to its delicious smell and excellent crunch. This recipe also comes in other variations including granola mexicana, power granola, and ice cream topping granola. However, you’ll have to get the cookbook to find out the details. 😉

This book is full of recipes inspired by the regions of the world where people live the longest. It has lots of delicious and unique dishes and sides. You’ll have great fun exploring your favorite grocery store to find some of the more exotic ingredients. Each recipe is relatively simple with only a few ingredients. Try out some of the more ambitious ones as your main, or dip your toe in by making an easy side.

One of the most important ingredients in all of these recipes is sitting down together to enjoy the food and each other’s company. Maybe that’s the secret to living to 100…

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 cups oats
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups raw nuts (I used 1/2 cup pepitas, 3/4 cup almonds, and 1/4 cup pecans)
• 3 tbsp coconut oil (or olive oil)
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (I used maple syrup)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cardamom
• Pinch of cloves
• 1 piece minced candied ginger

Process:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees
• Line a baking tray with parchment paper (a MUST when making granola or it will stick to the pan and be impossible to get off — a lesson I learned myself on my first try)
• Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl
• Spread onto a baking tray and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown (I do 10-minute intervals and check the color/flip the tray at each interval. If you want more crumbly granola this is a good opportunity to give the ingredients a stir, but I prefer mine chunkier so I leave it in one sheet). If you are using pre-roasted nuts then subtract 10 minutes from the baking time.
• Remove from the oven and let the tray rest until cool (I usually do about 10 minutes — it’s hard to wait when it smells so good!)

Try it for yourself? Let us know! Drop us an email at runningbysix@gmail.com or tag us on Instagram @runningbysix. Happy granol-ing!