Granola Made Easy

Bring your kiddos in the kitchen and have some fun. You can pack this granola with all types of nutrient rich goodies! Chia seeds add crunch and promote gut health and improve heart health. Pumpkin seeds contain zinc, a mineral that boosts the immune system and helps fight those nasty viruses. They are also rich in manganese and Vitamin K. Sesame seeds pack a healthy punch as they are a great source of minerals, fiber, B vitamins, healthy fats and antioxidants. You can make this sweet treat the kids will love and also slip in the health benefits we all need in our lives.
 
PREP TIME:   10 minutes      COOK TIME: 24 minutes         OVEN TEMP: 325°
 
INGREDIENTS
2 cups rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needing a gf diet)
2 Tbsp Chia seeds
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips, divided
¼ raisins
2 Tbsp craisins
¼ cup raw sunflower seeds
¼ cup pumpkin seeds
1/3 cup honey, (local if you can get it)
2 Tbsp sesame seeds
Optional: ¼ cup peanut butter
 
DIRECTIONS
1.Take ¼ cup of the chocolate chips and place in microwave bowl and melt. Mix well.
2.Add the peanut butter to the melted chocolate (if you are making this snack for home not school lunch) and mix well.
3.Put all chia seeds, ¼ cup of chocolate chips, raisins, craisins, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and honey and mix well.
4.Next add the chocolate (and peanut butter if added) mixture and mix again. Make sure you cover all the seeds and oats well.
5.Place the mixture evenly on a parchment lined baking sheet.
6.Bake for 8 minutes. More the mixture around with a spatula and put back in for 8 minutes. Repeat.
7.After 24 minutes remove from the oven and allow to cool.
8.Break the granola apart and enjoy!
 
Tips:
*To make the most of the seeds and nut’s antioxidants and nutrients try to buy organic and raw when you can.
*So easy and yummy you will want to double this recipe. Simply spread it evenly on two baking sheets
*if you are making this snack for the kiddos at home add that peanut butter! It will be a great twist!
*Nuts like sliced almond, cashews, even coconut flakes make a great addition to this granola.