Recipe: Elemental Granola With Pistachios, Dried Cherries and Vanilla

Whole grains, like the oats in this recipe, are high in fiber and important elements in the Mediterranean diet. Full of nuts and seeds, this recipe provides vitamin B4 and vitamin E ― nutrients that support brain health. The berries are rich in polyphenol antioxidants, too!

Ingredients

6 tablespoons maple syrup
6 tablespoons brown sugar (unpacked)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup raw whole macadamia nuts
1/2 cup shelled raw pistachios
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup dried tart cherries, cranberries or blueberries
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 250° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the maple syrup, brown sugar, oil, vanilla, cinnamon and salt until well-combined.
3. Add the oats, sesame seeds, macadamia nuts, pistachios and almonds and stir until the ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Spread the mixture into an even layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake until evenly gold on top, about 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes or so.
5. Let the granola cool on the baking sheet.
6. Add the dried cherries and coconut and toss to combine.

The granola will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one month.

Nutrition information (per serving)

Makes 14 servings. 1 serving = 1/2 cup.

Calories: 290
Total fat: 18 g
Saturated fat: 3 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 100 mg
Carbohydrate: 30 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 14 g
Protein: 6 g

— The Alzheimer’s Prevention Cookbook: 100 Recipes to Boost Brain Health (© 2012 Ten Speed Press).