Rolled oats are extremely versatile. They can can be used in anything from breakfast oatmeal to cookies, or in this case, granola. You can even substitute it for regular flour in almost any recipe there is.
Granola is an easy recipe that can be made from rolled oats. Store bought granola is easily accessible but if you make your own, you can easily control what goes into it.
I most often have my granola on top of yogurt, with some peanut butter and maybe, some jam. I decided to give this recipe a little kick using hot maple syrup, my take on hot honey.
The hot maple syrup is created by simply adding in cayenne pepper to maple syrup. In addition to that, I decided to add in some crunchy almond butter, raisins and coconut chips.
Hot Maple Almond Protein Granola
Granola made with protein oats, spicy maple syrup, almond butter and raisins
- 2 tbsp almond butter (crunchy)
- 1½ tbsp avocado, canola or coconut oil
- 1 cup rolled oats (protein packed (optional))
- ½ cup coconut flakes (unsweetened)
- ¼ cup raisin medley blend
- 2 tbsp maple agave blend or maple syrup
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- salt (pinch)
Preheat oven to 350°. While the oven preheats, prepare the granola mix.
In a mixing bowl, add the maple syrup and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine. Add in the butter, oil, and salt. Stir to combine. Add in the rolled oats and stir until fully mixed.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Spread the oat mixture out into a thin layer onto the parchment and bake for 14 – 20 minutes, stirring halfway.
While the granola bakes, heat a pan over the stove to medium and add the coconut flakes. Once the flakes start to turn slightly brown, begin stirring until golden brown for about 2-3 minutes more. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
Once the granola is done, carefully lift the parchment paper off the pan and place it on a cooling rack. Allow to completely cool.
Once the granola cools, add in the toasted coconut flakes and raisins.
Enjoy as a cereal or on top of yogurt!
