Friday, August 17, 2012

Fantastic Food Friday

Maybe it's the relentless heat of the Arizona summer making me yearn for signs of Autumn. With September right around the corner, this former midwestern girl is nostalgic for the giddy feeling of "sweater weather" and changing leaves.  This may explain my recent infatuation with homemade granola.  I can't get enough of the stuff.  Crunchy, chewy, and slightly sweet with hints of cinnamon and vanilla... warm from the oven... so very reminiscent of fall in the midwest.  I'm eating mine for breakfast and dessert with Greek yogurt, warm peaches.

Visit for a nice discussion on the health benefits of healthy granola for weight control, lower cholesterol and more: Health Benefits of Granola.






Simple Granola


Ingredients:
4 cups rolled oats (not instant)
1 cup raw almonds, chopped
1.5 cups flaked coconut (not shredded)
1/4 tsp. finely ground sea salt 
1/3 cup liquid honey (or maple syrup, agave)
4 Tbsp. coconut 
Dash of vanilla extract (optional)
Sprinkle with Cinnamon (optional)

Directions:
1. Preheat over to 350°F.
2. In a small saucepan over low-medium heat, whisk oil and honey together.   Add vanilla extract if desired.
3. In a large bowl combine oats, almonds, coconut, and sea salt. 
4. Pour oil and honey mixture over dry ingredients and stir very well to coat. Place on a cookie sheet.  Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.  Bake for 10 minutes; remove from oven and stir. Place back in oven but remove and stir every 5 minutes or so until the oats are golden brown (approx. 25-30 minutes).  Keep an eye on it as it bakes.  Ovens vary, and you do not want to overcook. 


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