Last weekend, 14 of us bloggers and writers met for a visionary pow-wow to plan, pray and study scripture together. Our goal is to write relevant blogs, ebooks and books that will transform the lives of women all over the world.
But, have you ever noticed that talking (or living!) makes you quite hungry? (Must be all of those calories from our mouths flapping!) After midnight one night, while many of us were still up talking, I heard someone padding softly to my kitchen, squeaking open the door of our cupboard in search of the best midnight snack. Three more of us piled in and announced our famished hunger needs that demanded satisfaction.
"Oh, have I got a treat for you!"
I pulled out fresh blueberries, real organic yoghurt in a bottle (the sour kind--and I had added my own vanilla and maple syrup) and our homemade granola. You would have thought we were eating candy! "Oh, this is wonderful, great, perfect, can we have more?"
In our fast paced, fast food culture, a healthy lifestyle for your family can feel quite difficult. With different children all running in various directions, a quick, simple, healthy breakfast can provide the start their day needs (and yours, too!) Mornings can feel a bit crazy...nutty, in fact. This nutty granola is the perfect go-to for bustling breakfasts in your home.
This recipe for homemade granola is not only delicious, but it is simple, quick, and something that you can prepare in advance and keep handy for those busy, hectic mornings, and late night evenings, in your home. Granola is also a wonderful, cost effective breakfast option if you are having numerous guests in your house at one time. Simply display your yummy masterpiece in your favorite bowl, and leave out milk, yogurt, and fruit for your family, or guests, to cultivate their own ideal meal.
Ingredients:
2/3 cup honey (or if maple syrup--a little less)
1/3 cup hot water
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
just a tad dash sea salt
3/4 cup chopped walnuts 3/4 cup chopped pecans 3/4 cup sliced almonds (sometimes I add whole almonds) 6 cups rolled oats
1 cup craisins (optional--we love them, but we do not prefer raisins, which can also be substituted.) 1/2 cup dried cherries (if you chop them, they do not feel as obtrusive!)
Directions: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. In a medium size bowl, whisk together the oil, hot water, honey and vanilla. Add a sprinkle of sea salt. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, almonds, pecans, and walnuts. Pour the honey mixture into the oat mixture and stir until the oats and nuts are evenly coated. Spread out the granola onto 2 baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes, stir, and bake 10 more minutes, or until toasted. Allow granola to cool completely before stirring in the craisins and dried cherries. Your granola will harden as it cools. Break apart any large lumps, and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Enjoy a relaxing, healthy morning in your home with this delicious recipe.
