Chia Seed Granola with Walnuts and Almonds

I love that food brings memories of comfort, home and security.  Introducing unfimiliar foods therefore seems strange at first and may be a little scary. I believe that you can always learn something new and better and this also should include changing your diet.

One of my latest foodie discoveries are the health benefits of Chia seeds.

Chia seeds are a concentrated food source of omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants and calcium. One tablespoon contains about 60 calories, 6 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein and a healthy dose of antioxidants, omega-3s, calcium, iron, phosphorous, magnesium and zinc.

16 ounces of chia are supposed to contain the equivalent of:

Fiber of 4 pounds of oatmeal
Protein in 3 pounds of tofu
Antioxidants of 2 pounds of blueberries
Omega-3s for 10 pounds of salmon
Calcium in 4 pounds of 1 percent milk
Magnesium of 15 pounds of broccoli

(Source: healthworrier.com), more info here.

To get my family to sprinkle the chia seeds on top of yogurts just didn’t work so well. Therefore I have been mixing the chia seed in with some homemade granola and everybody loves it. My teens eat this chia seed granola as a snack over some Bulgarian Yogurt or take it to school as a healthy meal in between breakfast and lunch.

Don’t miss out on the new “Superfood” Chia. I am sure your family would also enjoy it in this chia seed granola with walnuts and almonds.

Ingredients:

*  6 cups (480 g) old fashioned oats
*  1 cup (200 g) almonds, chopped in big pieces
*  1 cup (115 g) walnuts, chopped in big pieces
*  1 cup (175 g) chia seeds (I buy these)
*  1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
*  2 Tablespoons five spice powder
*  1/4 teaspoon salt

*  1/2 cup (110 g, 115 ml) coconut oil, melted
*  1/3 cup (115 g, 78 ml) honey
*  1 Tablespoon (15 ml) vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 300 F Convection. Line two baking pans with silicon pads.

In a big bowl mix the first 7 ingredients (oats until salt). Set aside.

Now mix all the liquid ingredients and pour the mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix until very well combined.

Spread the oat mixture evenly onto the baking pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Stir every 10 minutes while baking.

Let the granola cool on the sheets until cold. Store in air tight container.

Enjoy!