Among Friends Thursday - Carolyn's Maple Pecan Flax Granola

I remember back in the seventies--yes I am that old. One summer I was completely addicted to this new granola cereal called Heartland. We had never had granola before and we loved it. Then we got tired of it, I guess. It is still on the market, though, I think. It just never made it into my cart again for some reason, though I never forgot it entirely. I tried a low fat version when that was our diet of choice. Rather than fat, we carbed up. Apple juice was the sweetener and sticky substance. My oldest son really loved it, so I made it often. When I started low carbing, I made a fun version with TVP. Textured Vegetable Protein. Not as bad as you would think. But now, we don't do soy often, so granola had gone the way of the dinosaur. It is really easy to over do on nuts, though, so I have to be careful.

This treat is very heavy on the nuts, but it is oh so yummy. Carolyn added the health benefits of flax meal and whey protein. Those help bind the granola, and make it better for us too. The sweeteners are erythritol and stevia. That is my personal favorite combo of sweeteners.

Out of pecans, I subbed walnuts. Out of butter, I subbed coconut oil. Both worked well. I, like Carolyn, love maple flavor. The Low Carbing Among Friends cookbook also lists an all almond and vanilla version. This was great, and I am sure there is room to play around with the nuts and flavorings. Ready to try this recipe? It is on page 169.

This is good as a cereal, like the way I used to eat granola. It is good as a yogurt topping, or on a berry bake. One of my favorite and easiest ways to enjoy a good granola, is to chill a can of coconut milk. Scoop out the solid portions, and add some berries and granola. Then you have a fantastic breakfast. A smart breakfast choice without eggs. Yeah! Lots of good for you fats too. Nothing like that low fat granola I used to make. Better. If you don't have our book, go order it already! (just click on the link on the right of the page)