Sugar Free February: Granola

Hello!

Happy February!

This month sees me taking part in Sugar Free February to raise money for Cancer Research UK, specifically for research into Secondary Breast Cancer, something which is very close to my heart.

Now as a baker, going sugar free does have its challenges, mainly due to 99% of recipes containing some form of sugar. Even in normal life, it's surprising how much of our daily diets contain added sugar, even items you'd expect to have none in. So last week I spent most of my time researching (thank you Google) for some yummy recipes that do not contain an ounce of sugar, but still pack a sweet punch. Things from granola and cereal, to bread and biscuits.

So for all of February, I'll be sharing a handful of delicious recipes, which don't break the bank, and which contain NO SUGAR! And hopefully by the end of the month I'll have raised a little money, spread a little love, and feel a little bit healthier!

I'll be sharing these posts as well as other recipes, across social media (you can find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) using #sffeb so get searching and get inspired!

Without further a do, here's my first recipe...

SUGAR FREE GRANOLA

Granola is something I love! I have it for breakfast 4 or 5 times a week, but you'll find the vast majority of granola, both homemade and shop bought, will contain some form of sugar. Sugar is often used as it helps the granola to become crunchy instead of soft. By heating the sugar whilst cooking, you maintain its trademark crunch...so no sugar, should equal no crunch, right? 

But fear not! This recipe from Super Healthy Kids packs a punch full of flavour and a good old crunch. And the best thing is that you can add any nuts, seeds or fruits that you want! 

The following is just a basic recipe, and at the end of the most I'll jot down some ideas for nut, seed or fruit additions!


Ingredients
2 cups of porridge oats
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 egg whites

Method
Pre heat your oven to 110C.
In a large bowl combine the porridge oats, cinnamon and salt (as well as any nuts or seeds).
In a separate bowl beat your egg whites until soft peaks are formed.
Fold the egg whites into the oats mixture until fully covered.
Turn the oat mix onto a baking sheet covered with tin foil or baking paper.
Bake in the pre heated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes or so.
Once cooled, store in an air tight container for up to 2 weeks.

How easy is that?

Now in terms of some delicious additions! You can add as many or as few as you'd like, but try to keep the ratio 2:1 (2 part porridge oats to 1 part additions).

-Almond, sliced
-Cashew nuts, chopped
-Sesame seeds
-Desiccated coconut
-Walnuts, chopped
-Grated nutmeg

You can also add some dried fruits once the granola has been baked, such as currants for that extra bit of sweetness.

To serve, pop some in a bowl and serve with either milk or sugar free natural yoghurt!

There you have it!

Next week I'll be sharing some yummy sugar free cake recipes so stay tuned!

And if you'd like to read more about why I'm going sugar free, or would like to donate, click the link below!

Charlotte's Sugar Free February 


As always, Happy Baking.

Charley x

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