Summer is in full swing and we are all busy working (doesn’t there always seem to be so much more to do in the summer?!?) – but we are also busy playing. We entertain more in the summer and sometimes that means getting less sleep, drinking too much and just plain abusing our bodies a bit more (not that we don’t do it in the winter too!!).
The worst habit that you can get caught up in is skipping breakfast. It’s so easy to do – especially if you’re not a breakfast person like me. But once you get in the habit, you can’t leave the house without something in your belly.
The best way to ensure you are fueled properly is to be organized and this granola is a perfect solution. Make a big batch and freeze some for later…or just use it all for breakfast, or as a snack (like topping these blueberry muffins) or for an after dinner treat (for dessert in these baked apples). It’s easy to throw together and this version is so healthy (it’s a bit more sticky than the “not so healthy” recipe which I will post soon)…with no refined sugar and vegan (if you don’t consider honey to be non-vegan) and gluten free, it’s an amazing recipe to have in your repertoire.
So “life saving granola”? You betcha!!
Ingredients:
3/4 c coconut oil
1 c honey
1/2 c coconut sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
pinch salt
7 c rolled oats
3 c assorted seeds (I used a combo of chia, flax, sliced almonds, coconut chips, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
1 c assorted dried fruit (I just add more seeds because my kids don’t like dried fruit))
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. In a pan, stir together coconut oil, coconut sugar honey and salt; cook over medium heat until melted.
3. Bring to a boil …
4. In a large bowl, stir together oats and seeds.
5. Pour melted honey/sugar mixture over oats/seeds; stir to combine.
Look at that sticky goodness!!
6. Lay it evenly on 2 cookie sheets lined with parchment and bake for 15 minutes.
7. Take pans out of the oven; stir the mixture and return the pans to the oven (but switch positions in the oven) and bake for another 10 minutes
8. Remove from the oven and cool (if you are using dried fruit, this is where you add it in).
9. Enjoy with yogurt and berries or in a bowl with a splash of cold milk!!
Remember to freeze what you won’t use in the next 2 weeks or so (or you can store it in an airtight container).
Packaged up pretty, this also make great a gift!!
Make your tummy happy…whip up a batch today!!
