Oatmeal and My Favorite Granola Recipe

I have pretty much made the switch from boxed cereals to oatmeal for breakfast and I love it!! I use the quick oats on the mornings that I don't have much time and it only takes a couple of minutes to warm up (and the price is definately right!). Oatmeal is low in fat and a pretty good source of fiber, plus it's a good way to get a whole grain without always having wheat. But what to do if you really like those cereals and oatmeal is just to boring? Try some toppings!

Top 10 Healthy Oatmeal Toppings:
1. Raisins and brown sugar
2. Low-fat granola and skim milk
3. Raspberry nonfat yogurt and dried cranberries
4. Sliced strawberries and plain nonfat yogurt sprinkled with cinnamon
5. Canned crushed pineapple, sliced bananas, and chopped nuts
6. Strawberry nonfat yogurt and sliced kiwi
7. Sliced bananas and vanilla nonfat yogurt sprinkled with cinnamon
8. Chopped dates, raisins, and walnuts
9. Diced dried apricots and honey
10. Coarsely chopped canned peaches and ground ginger
Source: http://www.tasteforlife.com/content/default.asp?artid=627

And I mentioned Granola the other day as a nice snack and cereal choice. It's a little high in sugar and is does include oil, but I have been modifying the recipe and using less and less of those negative ingredients and still been really happy with the outcome. Here's the link: http://www.recipezaar.com/23108

Vanilla Scented Granola

Ingredients
Vegetable oil cooking spray
4 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup sliced almonds (I also use chopped pecans and walnuts as well-sometimes add extra)
1/2 cup golden brown sugar , packed (I used 1/4 cup and could probably do less)
1/4 teaspoon salt (I used 1/8 tsp salt)
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon (I added a little extra)
1/3 cup vegetable oil (I use organic canola oil and I think I could get by with a little less than this)
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons sugar (used 1 rounded tablespoon instead)
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
(I also added 1/3 cup ground flaxseed in with the oatmeal)

Directions:
1. Position rack to middle of oven and preheat to 300*.
2. Lightly spray large baking sheet with nonstick spray.
3. Mix next 5 ingredients in large bowl.
4. Combine oil, honey and sugar in small saucepan; bring to simmer over medium heat.
5. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.
6. Pour hot liquid over oat mixture; stir well.
7. Using hands, toss mixture until thoroughly mixed.
8. Spread granola on prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake until golden brown, stirring occasionaly, about 30 minutes (but check after 20).
10. Transfer sheet to rack; cool granola completely-(granola will crisp up as it cools).
11(Can be made two weeks ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.) Makes about 8 cups.

This last batch turned out great, but I think I can still cut the sugar, oil, and honey and add more nuts, flax, and oatmeal and have a delicious tasting granola! I'll let you know how the next batch goes...I hope you enjoy it!!