Spicy Gingerbread Granola

Cayenne pepper, quinoa, & nuts supply ample nutrients to promote cardiovascular, brain, & skin health!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 cup quinoa
• 2 Tbsp flax seed
• 1 cup unsweetened dried cherries
• 1 cup walnut halves
• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1/3 cup Brazil nuts, roughly chopped
• 1/3 cup pistachios
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup maple syrup or date syrup
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, evenly mix together oats, quinoa, flax seed, cherries, walnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, pistachios, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a saucepan on medium heat, warm maple or date syrup and vanilla extract until thinner in consistency and warm (about 5-6 mins), stirring frequently. 
4. Pour vanilla syrup over nut mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.  
5. Spread the granola out on the baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and stir everything around. Form it back into an even layer, then place in the oven to bake for 5-7 more minutes or until golden brown. Then, enjoy!!

Nutrition Resources: