Hi Everyone,
It’s Finally Friday! Even though I am writing this on Sunday, by the time you read this I will be home from my trip. I am betting I’ll be happy to be home! 🙂 Today’s recipe is a simple granola recipe that I created just for topping on my yogurt and frozen yogurt.
As some of you may know, I kind of have an addiction to granola. Remember a few months ago I ate so much granola that I formed the alien baby? Thats when your stomach forms into a big circle and you gain five pounds. All granola!! Once I stopped eating the granola and it finally left my system, I lost the five pounds instantly. Can you believe that can happen? Must be too much fiber or something? Yes, I know, I need help! I decided not to make granola for a long time after that. I started to use Trader Joe’s Honey Nut Cluster Cereal for my yogurt toppings, which works pretty good. I think all I am after is the crunch and texture. After my detox I was on, I decided to TRY to stay away from processed food, so that meant eliminating the cereal. But, oatmeal was one of the foods I could eat that is completely healthy for you.
I wanted to make a granola that was loose, not clumpy and was naturally sweet and completely healthy, oh and guilt-free. I didn’t add any sugar to it, just some local honey and applesauce. I decided on not adding any dried fruit since that ups the sugar count on the recipe, plus I wanted it more plain so I could use it in recipes. I’ve seen a few recipes popping around for granola cookies and I thought this granola would be perfect to add to it. Now don’t get me wrong if you want to add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries ect… you can always add them in when your granola is done baking. Banana chips would be perfect in this granola!
This granola is crunchy and has the sweet taste of honey in every bite. It’s loaded with oats, almonds and walnuts. I added whole flax and ground flax-seed to it to up the protein a bit. For such a simple granola I am very happy with it. It’s perfect for all of my granola needs and believe me I need granola!!! Want to know a secret? I have a black board in my kitchen and I actually wrote on it no granola, so it reminds me not to over do. My Husband points it out to me when I start to get out of control. I frown like my dogs do when they get in trouble.
- 7 cups old fashion oats or mixed rolled oats
- ½ cup almonds, slivered or whole
- ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp of ground flax
- 2 tbsp. whole flax seed
- 1 tbsp of cinnamon
- Wet Ingredients:
- ¼ cup applesauce, unsweetened
- ¼ cup honey
- Preheat oven to 300
- In a bowl add apple sauce & honey, whisk together until combined
- In a very large mixing bowl, Mix together the dry ingredients.
- Add the honey mixture over top the dry mixture and stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Spread onto a pan lined with parchment paper or a non-stick mat and bake in the oven for 45 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven every 15 minutes and give the granola a good stir to ensure even baking.
- Allow to cool for 20-25 minutes on the pan before serving. The granola will harden up as it cools. Store in an air-tight container.
Are you like me and have an addition to granola? Or am I the only crazy one out there? I’m telling you I have no self-control. I can so over eat this wonderful snack it’s not even funny. I put the stuff on everything. Nothing goes better than an apple, peanut butter and topped with granola. Uh oh, as I am writing this, I’m thinking, hmmm, maybe one handful won’t hurt. lol I better not! I told my Husband not to let m eat anymore tonight, since tomorrow is my weigh in. I can’t afford an alien baby right now.
Well my lovelies, time for me to pack my bags, get ready to watch the series finally of Desperate Housewives, than off to bed.
Since this is your Friday! Have a wonderful weekend!!!
Jennifer
Hi Everyone!
Just a recap to let you know I am home! I’ll tell you it feels so good to be back home. My trip was successful on the work front, but not on the eating. If you only knew what I ate, eck!! Let’s just say I had nachos, fried coconut shrimp, lots of granola, a burrito and so much more. I’m afraid to hop on the scale,actually terrified. But starting today I am starting new and fresh!!! I thought I would share a few scenery pictures of Lake Tahoe for you. I don’t have to many, since I was the designated driver,but I have a few good shots.
Classic Macaroni Salad
Chocolate Banana Snack Cake (One Pan)
Caramelized Herb Roasted Carrots
Plumpkin Oatmeal & Pumpkin Granola
Your granola looks perfect, love the recipe!
Thanks! I really like this one, completely guilt free and tasty!
Gorgeous pictures! It looks like an amazing trip. Don’t worry about the eating, I think diet rules just go out he window for vacations and trips. I just got back from Chicago and holy cow, did I eat a lot of crap food. It was soooo tasty though 🙂
I agree diet rules do go out the window on vacation. There are so many fun new dishes to try that you just wouldn’t make at home!! How was Chicago? Everytime I end up at the Chicago Airport, I get a slice of deep dish pizza. Yum!!
Chicago was amazing! It was my first time there and I loved it. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any pizza 🙁 I did have some fish tacos though and they were fantastic! I also had a gyro that was probably the size of my head, that was delicious too
This sounds great. I have never made granola, but always wanted to!
You should try granola, it’s so easy and one of my favorite things to make. It’s nice to have it in a big batch so you can have it for weeks to come.
What a great looking granola – it’s so versatile! Looks like you had a lovely vacation, too. Have a happy weekend, Jennifer!
Thanks Georgia! Have a lovely weekend yourself!!
I’ve made quite a few of your recipes and have loved every one of them so far (especially your homemade tortiall shells–by far my favorite!!!) I’ve always wanted to make my own granola and this doesn’t look too complicated as some of the other recipes I’ve seen–however, if you don’t have flex seed, is there something else you could use as a replacement or could you just leave it out all together? Would it make a huge difference if you did?
Hope you had a great trip!
Hi Samantha,
You don’t need to add flax to the granola. I did for added protein, but it’s not necessary. I love the tortilla shells to, and I love how easy it is too!!! I did have a great trip, and I am so happy to be back home. Have a great weekend.
I love Lake Tahoe, looks like a great trip! I have never made my own granola. I am kind of scared once I do, I won’t be able to stop eating it 🙂
Making your own granola is dangerous!! I love it and hate it! I love to eat it, but I hate that I can’t stop myself. Some people are addicted to chocolate, for m it’s granola!!
There’s nothing better than homemade granola! Your recipe is easy and sounds incredibly delicious. 🙂
Wow! These pictures bring back memories and this granola looks yummy! I love granola but not as much as chocolate.
I have a total weakness for granola too and yours looks so good!
Alien baby…lol…love it! :0 I love granola, too!! Great recipe! Thank you for sharing on Fit and Fabulous!! 🙂 I love your healthy contributions to my party! Beautiful vacations pics, too!
I like my granola a little clumpy. What should I do/add to make it that way?