Gas your runs with the proper fall granola

Because the crisp air of fall settles in, runners in all places are lacing up their sneakers to hit the paths. This time of the yr requires a food regimen that not solely offers power, but in addition aligns with the seasonal flavours all of us love and look ahead to all yr lengthy. Granola, with its versatile and nutritious profile, is the proper fall pre-run or restoration snack for runners.

With its mixture of oats, nuts and seeds, granola provides a mix of carbohydrates, wholesome fat and proteins. Including this mix to a smoothie bowl, yogurt, oatmeal or consuming it as cereal with milk can elevate your fall mornings. I’m already an big advocate for pre-run yogurt with granola, so this recipe shall be successful in my kitchen this fall. When you usually solely go for a extremely mild pre-run snack, this granola is superb for providing you with a lift of power with out weighing you down.

Elements

Yields 8 cups (~16 servings). Tailored from Cookie and Kate.

• 8 cups old style rolled oats
• 3 cups uncooked nuts and/or seeds (I used 3/4 cup pecans, 3/4 cup inexperienced pumpkin seeds/pepitas, 3/4 cup slivered almonds, 3/4 cup shredded coconut).
• 3/4 tsp desk salt (or 2 tsp fine-grain sea salt)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 cup maple syrup or honey
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups dried cranberries (may also use dried cherries, raisins or dried apricots)
• 2 tsp orange zest (elective)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix oats, nuts, seeds, salt and cinnamon in a big bowl.
3. Pour within the oil, maple syrup/honey, vanilla and orange zest (if utilizing). Combine to frivolously coat all oats and nuts. Pour granola onto the ready pan and unfold into a fair layer with a spatula.
4. Bake for 21 to 24 minutes, or till frivolously golden, stirring midway. (If wanting extra-clumpy granola, press down with a spatula to create a fair layer.)
5. Let granola sit for no less than 45 minutes or till it cools fully. (The granola will proceed to toast when cooling.)
6. Add dried fruits. Break into chunks together with your fingers or stir round with a spoon.

You may retailer the granola in an hermetic container for as much as two weeks, or within the freezer for as much as three months. Let frozen granola heat to room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes earlier than serving.

Another nut alternate options embody walnuts, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts and sunflower seeds. To boost the autumn flavours, select maple syrup over honey. Floor ginger and pumpkin-spice blends are additionally good alongside the cinnamon. Don’t skip the salt; that is key for bringing out the proper mix of flavours and spices.