Sweet Tooth Sweet Life

A Love of Food, Fitness, & Fashion

  • Home
  • About
    • Sponsorships
    • Contact Me
    • Everything NASM
    • Wedding
      • Courtney & Jay
      • Getting Ready
      • Ceremony
      • Wedding Party
      • Flowers
      • Decorations & Details
      • Reception
      • Honeymoon at Sandals Grande St Lucian
    • Q & A’s
      • Q&A’s – Round 1
      • Q&A’s – Round 2
      • Q&A’s – Round 3
      • Q&A’s – Round 4
      • Q&A’s – Round 5
  • Pregnancy & Babies
  • Meal Planning
  • Recipes
    • Recipes
      • Breads & Muffin Recipes
      • Breakfast
        • Coffee Recipes
        • Egg & Omelet Recipes
        • Oatmeal & Buckwheat Recipes
        • Pancake & French Toast Recipes
        • Smoothie Recipes
      • Cookies/Cookie Bars
      • Cakes/Cupcakes & Frostings
      • Dinners
        • Chicken & Poultry Recipes
        • Beef & Pork Recipes
        • Seafood Recipes
        • Crockpot Recipes
        • Meatless Recipes
        • Pasta Recipes
        • Pizza Recipes
        • Soup/Stew/Chili Recipes
      • Pies/Trifles/Truffles/Candies/Crisps
      • Salads/Sides/Odds & Ends
  • Favorites
    • Shop
    • Blog Love
    • Fashion
    • “Just Because” Posts
    • Workout & Fitness Posts
    • Cody Posts
    • Restaurants (local and travel)
  • Workouts
    • Workouts
      • Circuit Workouts
      • 20-30 Minute Treadmill Routines
      • 35-55 Minute Treadmill Workouts
      • Upper Body Workouts
      • Lower Body Workouts
      • Walking Treadmill Workouts
      • Elliptical Workouts
  • Resources

Healthy Cranberry Almond Granola

By Courtney 25 Comments

This morning while on the treadmill (doing this intense workout) I started to feel inspired to do a little damage in the kitchen. I wasn’t quite sure what damage I was was going to do, but I decided it had to have these three things:

  • something I’ve never tried making before
  • something I could eat for breakfast
  • something that I could “healthify”

The winning result…?

IMG_2057

Cranberry Almond “Healthified” Granola!! (see full recipe below)

Surprisingly, it was much easier to make than I expected, so let’s get right down to it…

First, I mixed some old-fashioned oats and puffed rice cereal and toasted it for about 10 minutes in the oven.

IMG_2033

While that was toasting, I mixed together my wet ingredients & spices. I was actually quite excited to find another way to incorporate some more of my POM Wonderful juice!

IMG_2037

Once the oats & cereal were slightly toasted, I put it back into a bowl and mixed in some slivered almonds,

IMG_2038

ground flaxseed meal,

IMG_2039

and chia seeds.

IMG_2040

Stir, stir, stir!

IMG_2041

Once incorporated, I added in my wet ingredients and mixed until everything was nice and covered.

IMG_2042IMG_2045

Then I placed it back on the baking sheet and cooked it for another 15 or so minutes, stirring every few minutes.

IMG_2046

After the granola base was done cooking, I put it back into the bowl and added in my dried fruits: cranberries & raisins.

IMG_2048IMG_2049

VOILA! A big ‘ol bowl of granola for the taking. Open-mouthed smile

IMG_2050

[print_this]

[print_this]

Healthy Cranberry Almond Granola

(Adapted from this Weight Watchers recipe)

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups uncooked oats
  • 2 cups puffed rice cereal
  • 1/3 cup brown rice syrup
  • 1 tbsp canola oil
  • 1/4 cup(s) diluted POM Wonderful juice**
  • 1-2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed meal
  • 1/4 chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup raisins

**I used probably 1/8 cup POM + 1/8 cup water. You could also substitute apple juice or any other juice of your choice for the POM. It’s just what I had on hand.

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix uncooked oats and puffed rice cereal together and spread on a non-stick baking sheet with sides; bake for 10 minutes, stirring once.
  2. Meanwhile, mix brown rice syrup, oil, POM juice, spices, sugar, and vanilla together in a cup. When oats and puffed rice are done, spoon into a large bowl; set pan aside. Add almonds, flaxseed, and chia seeds to cereal mixture and stir to combine. Pour wet ingredients over cereal mixture and mix thoroughly to distribute and coat completely; spread mixture back over pan.
  3. Return pan to oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes more, stirring every few minutes. Remove from oven and spoon back into bowl. (Note: Be careful that granola doesn’t burn – especially cereal along sides of pan.)
  4. Stir cranberries and raisins into mixture; let cool. Store in an airtight container. ENJOY! Smile

[/print_this]

    [/print_this]

    IMG_2058

    For it being my first attempt at granola, I was pretty impressed! It’s not overly sweet, so if you like your granola sweeter, you may want to add a bit more brown sugar or honey.

    The great part about it too is, if you don’t have all the same ingredients, just substitute in what you like. No cranberries? Try cherries! No almonds? Try sunflower seeds!

    IMG_2063

    Endless possibilities, my friends. Endless! Smile

    I enjoyed quite a few handfuls before finally buckling down and making myself a yogurt + granola bowl, with some fresh strawberries and grapes on the side.

    IMG_2053

    IMG_2052

    ***********

    Thanks to everyone who entered my Chavrie Goat Cheese Giveaway! The following comment numbers are our winners:

    • 79 – Ashley
    • 28 – Daniel B.
    • 37 – Lauren
    • 175 – Shari
    • 159 – Claire

    Congrats!! Open-mouthed smile

    Please be sure to email me your shipping info at sweettoothcourtney@gmail.com.

    Question for the Day:

    What’s the best granola you’ve ever had? (

    And if you have any recipes, feel free to SHARE em! I have a feeling that this won’t be my last batch…) Winking smile

    Share This:

    • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
    • Click to share on Yummly (Opens in new window)
    • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
    • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
    • Click to share on StumbleUpon (Opens in new window)
    • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

    Related

    April 14, 2011 Filed Under: Baking, Breakfast, Recipes, Workouts Tagged With: baking, Chavrie giveaway winners, cranberry almond granola, healthy granola recipe, recipe, weight watchers granola

    About Courtney

    I'm a working mom of two beautiful little boys, Lucas and Alex, and I began writing Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life in April 2010. I enjoy chronicling my love of food (healthy and indulgent!), baking, motherhood, fitness, fashion, and everything in between!

    « If You Love Cheese…Try To Win Some
    Got the Bejesus Scared Outta Me »

    Comments

    1. Charlie says

      April 14, 2011 at 12:14 pm

      Your granola looks delicious! yum! Love that you added pomegranate juice! Favorite granola... that's a hard one! Let's go with two ;). My favorite with milk: Maple Pecan Quinoa Crunch Granola http://www.sweetsaltyspicy.net/2011/03/maple-pecan-quinoa-crunch-granola.html My favorite with yogurt: Chocolate, Cherry & Coconut Granola http://www.sweetsaltyspicy.net/2011/03/chocolate-cherry-coconut-granola.html
      Reply
      • Courtney says

        April 14, 2011 at 12:58 pm

        I actually printed your maple pecan quinoa granola and plan on making that one soon! :)
        Reply
    2. Khushboo says

      April 14, 2011 at 12:30 pm

      Delicious breakfast! Do you have to go into school to teach today?? If so, you really are superwoman!
      Reply
      • Courtney says

        April 14, 2011 at 12:58 pm

        Haha, no I don't have to go in.
        Reply
      • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers says

        April 14, 2011 at 1:32 pm

        i was wondering the same thing! are you on spring break?
        Reply
        • ashley says

          April 14, 2011 at 1:34 pm

          I was wondering the same thing! you have had so much extra time lately!!
          Reply
        • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers says

          April 14, 2011 at 1:35 pm

          haha courtney, i think we're all a little too involved in your life! :o)
          Reply
          • Khushboo says

            April 14, 2011 at 1:44 pm

            Interrogation central! Haha :)
            Reply
          • Courtney says

            April 14, 2011 at 4:31 pm

            Hahaha, you're more than welcome to be involved in my life! ;) I'm actually not on spring break...it's something that I haven't mentioned yet, but seeing as though people are starting to notice, I suppose I should probably fill ya'll in soon!
            Reply
    3. Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says

      April 14, 2011 at 12:40 pm

      I've always thought making granola would be difficult - but this looks like something I can handle! :)
      Reply
    4. Cait @ Beyond Bananas says

      April 14, 2011 at 12:49 pm

      Wow.. that granola looks so simple and so delicoius! I need to start making my own asap!
      Reply
    5. Lisa @ Healthy Diaries says

      April 14, 2011 at 1:00 pm

      I've never made my own granola before. -yours looks delicious! I actually don't eat granola too often. I used to buy it in the bulk section at my whole foods.
      Reply
    6. chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says

      April 14, 2011 at 1:03 pm

      Looks delicious! I love that granola is so versatile! I don't think I've made the same kind twice!
      Reply
    7. Sarah May C says

      April 14, 2011 at 1:29 pm

      Wow! Love it, didn't even realise you could make granola - shows how much I know! We are not big on 'granola' here in the UK although I absolutely love the stuff - I discovered it on my travels in New York, it's one of my favourite breakfasts to have when I'm ever in America (other favourite: spinach and feta omlette with potatoes - what do you call them, home fries? Mmmm!) we are a bit behind with granola over here so I will definitely be trying out this idea one day when I can find some time... and so many different versions, apparently - thanks again, Courtney - and all! By the way - the skewered prawns you inspired were a success at my dinner party - loved them ;-)
      Reply
      • Courtney says

        April 14, 2011 at 4:28 pm

        Awww, I'm so glad!! :-D
        Reply
    8. Jamie aka "Sometimes Healthy" Girl says

      April 14, 2011 at 2:13 pm

      My best friend's mother makes this "Magic Granola." Everyone in Omaha knows about Suzy's granola (well not everyone but a lot!). I have no idea what is in it but it is sweet, crunch, fresh and delicious. I suppose I should get the recipe from her! Your granola looks so healthy and tasty. I must make it!
      Reply
    9. Kimberley says

      April 14, 2011 at 2:24 pm

      It seems that every blog I am reading today has granola in it, I am not complaining one bit :) except for the fact that I am jealous and need to make my own asap, so perfect timing for your recipe !
      Reply
    10. Chelsea says

      April 14, 2011 at 2:24 pm

      Yum! I love granola and your looks so delish!
      Reply
    11. Jenny (Fit Girl Foodie) says

      April 14, 2011 at 6:02 pm

      I always tell myself I'll make granola and then I see it on sale and I buy it lol Such fail. The best granola so far is Bear Naked Chocolate. I haven't seen Love Grown granola around here so I still haven't tried it. Love your recipe! :D Granola is the ultimate oatmeal topper
      Reply
    12. Alexa @ Simple Eats says

      April 14, 2011 at 6:15 pm

      This looks perfect for yogurt bowls and oats! Love the idea of the POM juice!
      Reply
    13. Julie says

      April 14, 2011 at 6:30 pm

      I recently bought some Country Pumpkin Spice granola from Trader Joe's. It is yummy with some yogurt or just by itself! I've never made granola myself but it looks pretty easy so I'll have to try it sometime!
      Reply
    14. Jordan says

      April 14, 2011 at 6:51 pm

      What a great idea to use POM instead of apple juice! I feel like that would make this recipe 1000x better. And I love the idea of using dried cherries in it....I just wish they weren't so expensive! I might have to try this soon!
      Reply
    15. Lauren says

      April 14, 2011 at 8:57 pm

      Your granola looks really yummy! I'm going to have to make some soon!
      Reply
    16. Sarah says

      April 15, 2011 at 11:37 am

      YUM! This really does seem easy! I have a lot of those ingredients on hand so may be giving this one a try soon!
      Reply
    17. hazel@ Toasted Pecans Recipe says

      June 28, 2011 at 6:22 am

      Delicious. And easy to make . Wow I love those cereal The way you demonstrate your recipe are well instructed that we can easy learn. thanks for the recipe .
      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Sweet Tooth Sweet Life
    Court Profile CircleI'm Courtney, a 30-something wife and working mom living in upstate NY. I'm a food lover, fitness enthusiast, baker extraordinaire and lover of all things sweet.
    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Google+
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Recent Posts

    • A Little Living Room Makeover
    • The Five F’s {3/12}
    • My Last 10 Favorite Amazon Purchases
    • Fun Facts Friday – The Five F’s

    Courtney’s Recipe Picks!

    Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Subscribe to Sweet Tooth by Email!

    Instagram

    Instagram has returned invalid data.

    Follow Me!

      FitFluential Is Fitness Found 
      
     

    Categories

    Archives

    Disclaimer

    I am not a registered dietitian, or certified fitness expert. The purpose of my blog is to share my own personal knowledge, opinions, and experiences with food, fitness, and life. My Privacy Policy can be found HERE.

    Content Marketing Editorial Calendar For WordPress

    WordPress Support & Maintenance provided by WP Site Care

    · Copyright © 2022 Sweet Tooth Sweet Life ·