Brain Healthy Recipes

Fiber-rich oats provide a steady supply of energy to the brain, which may improve learning. They are also rich in selenium, an antioxidant that has been shown to have protective effects in a variety of brain disorders and age-related cognitive problems.

Type:  Snacks

Ingredients

Serves 8

• 5 ½ cups traditional rolled oats (not instant)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• ¾ cup applesauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 ½ cups almonds, chopped
• ¾ cup dried cranberries
• ¾ cup dried apricots, chopped

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, applesauce, and honey until thoroughly combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, along with the chopped almonds. Mix well, until all of the oats are moistened. Spread on prepared pan in an even layer.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven and turn the granola over very carefully using a wide spatula. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until crisp and golden.
6. Cool completely on the baking sheet.
7. Break up the granola into chunks and stir in the dried fruit. Store in an airtight container.

ABOUT THE BLOGGER
Michelle Norris: browneyedbaker.com
Michelle has been baking since she was a teenager, and has a soft spot for rich, decadent desserts. It's one of the main reasons that her food blog is almost exclusively dedicated to sweets. However, she believes in balance and while she loves flourless chocolate tortes and tall cheesecakes, she says she knows that she can't eat them for every meal. Michelle's rule of thumb is to strive to eat wholesome and balanced foods about 80% of the time. She credits that philosophy with keeping her healthy and enabling her to indulge a bit when the urge strikes. She loves being able to use her food blog as a way to share her love of food and to encourage others to become more comfortable and confident in the kitchen.