Healthy Granola

I don’t know about you, but I often struggle to find something quick and healthy for breakfast.  I don’t care really care for boxed cereals and I get tired of eating eggs everyday.  I do however enjoy homemade granola.  I have two recipes that I tend to make, the following is the healthier of the two.  It contains no sugar or honey or maple syrup, and no oil or butter!  And yes, it still tastes pretty good!

homemade granola

Homemade Banana Date Granola

As long as you have a food processor or blender, it’s very simple to make.

Banana Date Granola

Ingredients

  •  1 cup whole dates, pitted
  • 2 large bananas
  • 2 tsps. of cinnamon
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 lb. old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 lb. unsweetened coconut (flakes or chips)
  • 1 cup walnut pieces
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • ½ cup dried apricots cut up
  • ½ cup of dried cranberries
  • 1 cup raisins

Granola IngredientsI left out the raisins and walnuts, you can use whatever nuts and dried fruits you prefer.

Directions

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
In a blender or food processor, combine dates, bananas, cinnamon and water. Blend until smooth. Add more water a tablespoon at a time if mixture is too thick.  Warning, if you use a food processor, it’s best to add only a little water at first and add the rest once the bananas and dates are pureed.  Otherwise you’re likely to have a watery mess all over your counter when you pulse the machine.  (I always forget this part.)

Banana Date Puree
In a large bowl, mix together oats and date mixture until coated, breaking up very large clusters. Stir in dried coconut.

Coated Oats and Coconut
Bake in a thin layer on a baking sheet (must be done in small batches), stirring occasionally to desired crunchiness. About 1 to 1.5 hours.

Granola on Cookie Sheet
Remove from oven and cool. Stir in nuts and dried fruits. Store in an airtight container.

Healthy Granola Banana Date Granola

A batch of this granola will last me about 5 breakfasts.  It has a subtle sweetness and I love that fact that all the ingredients are good for you!

Bowl of Granola

On the Jewelry front, I have lots of new pieces to add to my store!  I’m afraid I have been dealing with a stiff neck all week so have not had a chance to do any photography.  I do plan to shoot some pieces this weekend and hopefully start adding them to Etsy a little at a time.  I will give a heads up on those shop updates via Facebook!  Happy Memorial Day weekend!  (Oh, and I almost forgot, I will be marking down some older pieces as well!)

 

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