On the Go Granola [Recipe!]

Are you moving into the dorms, or heading back to school soon? If you’re like me, you might be a little nervous about losing your healthy summer eating habits once you throw back on the book bag. Well, don’t worry! I have a delicious and nutritious snack that you can make before you head back to college. (I’d probably make a double batch, as I bet your roommates will be sneaking into your cupboard for a handful of this tasty stuff.)

Despite the cool temperatures around here this summer, I’ve been craving LOTS of cold cereal with fresh blueberries. I recently found a new granola that I like, Nature’s Path Agave Plus. After polishing off the box, I decided to make my own. Have you ever made granola? Oh boy, it makes the house smell divine!

Besides adding it to your morning bowl of cereal, granola is great as an afternoon snack on Greek yogurt, or on top of fruit (and veggie!) smoothies. It is absolutely perfect for us college gals on the go!

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On the Go Granola

• 4 c. rolled oats
• 1 c. raw sunflower seeds
• 1 c. chopped pecans
• 1/2 c. unsweetened coconut
• 1/4 c. ground flax
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• pinch of salt
• 1/4 c. + 2 T canola oil
• 1/4 c. + 2 T agave
• 1 T vanilla

Mix together the first 7 ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate, smaller bowl, mix together oil, agave and vanilla. Pour over oat mixture and combine thoroughly. Place onto a baking sheet in a thin, even layer. Bake @ 350* for 30 minutes, stirring ever 10 – be careful, it burns easily.

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Don’t forget to check out Emily’s recent article about coloring your plate with a rainbow of fresh eats.

Here’s to a healthy semester!

Hillary is an intern at College Lifestyles and student of Food & Nutrition Communication at California State University, Chico. She’s nuts about all things oats : )