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.
