Monday, January 13, 2014

Vanilla Nut Granola

I just found this recipe on This homemade life blog (it is in the side column) and it is easy and very YUMMY.  Everyone in our house except baby loves it.  


Vanilla Nut Granola


Ingredients
  • 2 cups old fashion oats (not quick oats)
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1 1/2 cup chopped nuts (this can be any combination you want...I used pecans)
  • 2 tablespoons wheat germ (I didn't use this) ( You can also add chia seeds and flax but it tends to get in my teeth but definitely makes it better for you)
  • 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup 
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted ( I used coconut oil instead)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
  2. Place all ingredients in a large bowl, stir until well combined.
  3. Spread granola mixture in an even layer on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 30 minutes.
  5. Stir granola around on the baking sheet, keeping it in an even layer.
  6. Return to the oven and bake an additional 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
  7. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on baking tray. This helps the granola to become crisp and creates those great little granola clusters.
  8. Once completely cool, break up granola and remove from tray.
  9. Enjoy on fresh fruit & yogurt parfaits, with a little vanilla almond milk or just by the handful!
  10. Store in airtight container.

My favorite Oatmeal Raisin Cookie


  • This is our families favorite cookie.  This recipe is from the Quacker Oats website but they are excellent. I have followed this exactly and it is great and I have also replaced coconut oil for butter and used pure cane sugar with about 1/2 tsp. molasses for the brown sugar.  I have also tried them with wheat flour and oat flour and all have been great.  Enjoy

  • Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
    • 1/2 Cup(s) (1 stick) plus 6 tablespoons butter, softened
    • 3/4 Cup(s) firmly packed brown sugar
    • 1/2 Cup(s) granulated sugar
    • 2 Eggs
    • 1 Teaspoon(s) vanilla
    • 1-1/2 Cup(s) all-purpose flour
    • 1 Teaspoon(s) Baking Soda
    • 1 Teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon
    • 1/2 Teaspoon(s) salt (optional)
    • 3 Cup(s)  Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
    • 1 Cup(s) raisins (I also like them with chocolate chips or craisins)