Everybody loves the simplicity of a bowl of cereal in the morning. Poured from box to bowl and topped generously with whatever takes your fancy, it is a quick and convenient breakfast staple. Nowadays supermarkets stock an overwhelming variety of muesli and granola options, with seductive words like 'healthy' and 'low fat' advertised freely. However more often than not the sugar content in store bought cereals can be surprisingly high. The best way to control your morning sugar consumption? Make your own!

This recipe tastes indulgent but it's brimming with nutrient dense nuts and seeds which will keep you satisfied and energetic all morning long. The apples add natural sweetness and you can add as little or as much maple syrup as you like. The spices give it a festive warmth, making it rather addictive. I love it topped with coconut yoghurt or plant milk, with a plentiful amount of seasonal fruit. Delicious. 

Spiced Apple

Apples, 4

Cinnamon, 3 tsp

Ginger, 3 tsp

Nutmeg, 1 tsp

Oats, 3 cups

Nuts of choice, 1½ cup, chopped (I use almonds and walnuts)

Pumpkin seeds, ½ cup

Sunflower seeds, ½ cup

Desiccated coconut, 1 cup

Coconut oil, 3 TBS, melted

Maple syrup, to taste

Dried fruit of choice, 1½ cups (I use cranberries, raisons and apricots)

Preheat your oven to 120 Celsius

For the spiced apple puree, peel and roughly chop the apples and place in a pan with the cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg and a small amount of water to cover. Let it cook until the apples are nice and soft. Blend in a food processor until smooth.

(Note ~ It may taste a little over spiced but once the mixture is combined and baked with the other ingredients it will mellow out.)

Place the oats, nuts, seeds, coconut, melted coconut oil and maple syrup in a bowl and mix well. Add the spiced apple puree and mix thoroughly so everything is coated.

Bake the granola on an oven tray lined with baking paper, spread the mixture out and bake for around 40 minutes or until golden and toasty. You will need to check the granola regularly and give it a stir so that it bakes evenly.

Leave to cool slightly then add your choice of dried fruit.

Best stored in an airtight jar.