What is a better way to start your day than with a healthy breakfast? A majority of store-bought cereals and granola mixes are full of unhealthy fats, oils and sugar that don't do you any favor. I want to share a granola recipe that's super easy, healthy and delicious. This is a base recipe, so you can mix things up, add different flavors and count calories. You can eat it with warm or cold milk, on its own as a snack, and add as a topping.

INGREDIENTS

Makes about two 1 liter mason jars or 1,5 kg.

• 500 g oats or oat flakes
• 100 g chopped almonds
• 100 g chopped hazelnuts
• 100 g pumpkin seeds
• 100 g sunflower seeds
• 100 g desiccated/ dried coconut
• 50-200 g dried fruit (I used cranberry)
• optionally: 1 tsp ground cinnamon or cocoa
• 125 g butter or coconut oil
• 150 ml honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or aroma

HEALTH BENEFITS

Oats are a great source of carbs, fiber, antioxidants and protein. Oats help lowering blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Almonds contain lots of healthy fats, fiber and protein. They are rich in magnesium and vitamin E. Almonds can also lower blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Hazelnuts are loaded with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats. Their components help with high blood pressure and high blood sugar.

Pumpkin seeds are full of healthy nutrients, fiber, magnesium and antioxidants. Benefits include increased heart health and better sleep.

Sunflower seeds contain nutrients that help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and blood sugar. Consume in moderation because it's high in calories and cadmium.

Desiccated coconut is rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins and amino acids. Consume it in moderation because of high saturated fat.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

3. In a large bowl mix oats, almonds, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut and dried fruit. Add the mixture from step 2 and stir well to combine evenly.

4. Line a roasting tin with baking parchment and spread out the mixture.

5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Stir it every 5 minutes so it cooks evenly.

6. Leave it to cool.

7. Once the granola has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container. It will be fresh for 1 month.

ENJOY!