Super Seedy Granola

Seedy motels? Bad. Seedy granola? Good.

And if we are talking about the granola I made during my latest Whole Foods cooking class–

–well, that’s not just good.It’s STRANGE but good.*

*Make sure to check out Laura‘s weekly link-up for more freaky foodie ideas…

What’s so weird about this vegan, oil-free wild combination of oats and ‘every possible seed I can find in the bulk bins I see before me?’

There is a secret, strange ingredient.

and it might seem a little 'nuts'

 Yep, that’s nutritional yeast.

I know most people believe granola should be super sweet. And this one does have a hint of sugar from maple syrup and agave mixed in with the flax (seed) egg and vanilla extract.But after uncontrollably devouring tasting the Scat! Bar granola over the summer, and determining the unusual addition of nutritional yeast MUST be what made it so astoundingly addictive.

So I gave it a try.

i can also thank the company for inspiring the crucial addition of sesame seeds.

And if I told you this granola didn’t super-seed every one of my expectations, well, the fact that only about half of it made it from the pan and into tup-faux-ware for storage would be evidence of my de-seed.*

*De-seed…de-ceit? Maybe? No?Don’t worry, it doesn’t taste like the faux cheese that nutritional yeast is often used to create. In fact, as long as you stir it well and avoid any yeasty clumps–although kind of yummy –you probably won’t even notice it is there.But the slightly sweet, subtly spiced, and supremely savory combination of ingredients is something that can only be tasted to trust.

Everyone at my cooking class certainly approved.My recommendation? Make this……and just seed for yourself. Super Seedy Granola

[Makes 3 1/2 Cups]

• 1 cup + 2 Tbsp. rolled oats
• 1/4 cup raw almonds
• 3 Tbsp. chopped pecan pieces
• 3 Tbsp. sesame seeds
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted pepitas [green pumpkin seeds]
• 2 Tbsp. hulled, unsalted sunflower seeds
• 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
• 1 Tbsp. hemp seeds

• 3 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
• 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. salt

• 1 Tbsp. ground flax seed + 2 Tbsp. water [flax 'egg']
• 2 Tbsp. maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp. agave nectar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flax and water.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, nuts, seeds, nutritional yeast, spices, and salt.
4. Once flax ‘egg’ has gelled, stir into it the maple syrup, agave, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients.
6. Mix well to coat.
7. Spread granola out onto an aluminum baking sheet with edges, or a metal baking pan.
8. Bake 15 minutes, and remove from oven. Stir well.
9. Return to oven and bake 5-15 minutes more, depending on your oven.
10. Allow granola to cool completely before storing. [It will continue to crisp as it cools.]