Maple Pecan Granola

Maple Pecan Granola

1/4 cup canola oil

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp maple extract

4 cups rolled oats

1 cup shredded coconut flakes

2 cups Rice Krispies

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup raisins

1 cup dried cranberries, or chopped dried fruit of choice

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together first 8 ingredients (through almond extract). Add oats, coconut, cereal, and nuts and toss together so dry ingredients are evenly coated. Spread out onto a large cookie sheet (sprayed lightly with non-stick spray), and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and toss/mix granola around with a spatula. Return to oven for an additional 15 minutes, or until granola looks golden brown and toasted (may need an extra 5-10 minutes). Let cool for a few minutes, then add dried fruit and toss together. Let cool completely before putting granola in a bag or airtight container to store. May be stored up to 2 weeks in the cupboard, or a month in the refrigerator/freezer. Serve with low-fat Greek yogurt, over fruit, or sprinkled on ice cream for dessert.

Easy Way to Eat More Fruit

In the latest issue of the Nutrition Action newsletter (click here to subscribe -- it is fascinating), I learned how a diet rich in fruits & vegetables is the main way to achieve heart health. And although I've been obsessed with F&V for a long time, I now see even more reason to increase the amount in my diet. If you eat 2000 calories per day, you should aim for 11 servings...which sounds like a lot, but it's the equivalent of this:

a fruit with breakfast (1/2 cup)
a large serving of fruit for a snack (1 cup)
an entree salad for lunch (3-4 cups)
veggie-based stir fry, fajitas, ratatouille, tacos, etc. for dinner (2 cups)

And there you have it -- 11 servings!

Here's how I'm getting closer to my servings goal today --
pineapple & nectarines dipped in this:

1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp limeade concentrate
1 cup Cool Whip Lite
(Mix yogurt & limeade together, then gently fold in Cool Whip with a spatula. Add lime zest if you'd like.)

Email me at healthymeels@gmail.com to sign up for my newsletter if you'd like other variations on this dip!

Don't reach for chips, reach for these!

I'm always scouring grocery shelves on the lookout for new products that will satisfy my crunchy-salty craving but also provide some fiber...and with any luck, some other nutrients too. With 130 calories, 4 grams fiber (unheard of for a chip), and only 4.5 grams fat (about 6 grams less than potato chips) in a 30-curl serving, these are my latest favorite. If you have Trader Joe's in your area, give them a try!

*photo taken from davesworkout.com

Nectarine Cake

Going to someone's house for dinner & don't know what to bring? Impress them by bringing a homemade cake from this month's Gourmet Magazine -- it's easy as can be, but they'll never know.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Nectarine-Golden-Cake-354960

Email me at healthymeels@gmail.com to find out how to make this cake healthier...or to get ideas on how to alter it with other fruits & flavors.

Enjoy!

A Sweet Splurge

In Boston a few weeks ago, we went to one of my favorite bakeries, Flour, to try their famed Sticky Buns. And let me tell you, these buns really lived up to the hype! I could have one of these every morning for the rest of my life (if they were only calorie-free). I highly recommend stopping by next time you're in the South End.