Fine. Chris said it first, and I’m admitting it…I’m a granola girl. I make fresh granola every couple of weeks, and it’s really easy, plus it’s amazing on yogurts, cereals, or as a snack by itself! I love fresh, local ingredients, and I try to buy green as frequently as I can. I’m all about supporting sustainable agriculture & efficient cooking practices. Who, me?!? The last year me wouldn’t even recognize this year’s me! Yes, me. In my sassy hot pink peep toe pumps, manicured nails, and my fabulous (non-animal tested) mascara; I care about agriculture! I care about stricter regulations from the FDA for labeling a food “natural” or “organic.” I care about our local farmers. I care about clarifying nutrition facts labels for not only the types of fats in a product, but also for the types of sugars in the said product.
In light of my hubby’s new favorite nickname for me, I thought I would offer a recipe for our favorite granola!! I love darn near every type of granola I’ve eaten, but this is both our favorite by far! It’s like a peanut butter oatmeal cookie!!!
Peanut Butter Raisin Granola
3 Tbsp. applesauce, unsweetened
3 Tbsp. honey or agave, or a little of each
2 tsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. Peanut Butter
2 tsp. vanilla
1 Tbsp. brown or raw sugar
2 c. oats
1/2 c. wheat germ
1/4 c. flaxseed, ground coarsely
1/4 c. unsweetened coconut
1/2 c. peanuts, chopped
1/2 c. raisins
1/4 c. peanut butter chips (I know, it’s a tiny splurge…a little bit goes a long way here)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with foil or wax paper & spray with oil or cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine applesauce, honey/agave, oil, peanut butter, and vanilla; stir until smooth. Add the oats, wheat germ, flaxseed, coconut, and peanuts; stir to coat. Spread mixture evenly over coated cookie sheet & bake for 40-50 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes. Done when lightly browned; it will be slightly soft when fresh out of the oven, but will harden as it dries. Let it cool for about 10 minutes, then add the raisins and peanut butter chips & cool another 20 minutes. Store in a cool, dry, airtight place for 2-3 weeks (if it lasts that long..our didn’t last at all!).
Chris can call me granola girl all he wants…he’s the one who can’t keep his paws out of the cookie…er…granola jar! 😉
In other news, we were finally able to walk outside today!! I miss our walks. Chris & I used to walk at the Isle every night in the summer & fall. We hadn’t been able to for months (I’m sure contributing to my self-diagnosed Seasonal Affective Disorder). We have two dogs, one older one, Buddy, and one baby, Sassy. Sassy has been a terrible walker, and Buddy, of course, is a seasoned pro and uses a leash only as a formality. When we walk Sassy, it’s a struggle. Sure, she’s only 1 year old and 4 pounds…but it’s a very fierce and strong willed 4 pounds. She sits her tiny bottom on the ground and will NOT move an inch, even just for pottytime.
Jerk.
Today, however, was different. She walked like a pro! I don’t know what her breakthrough was, but we did it! And Buddy was awesome as per the usual for him 🙂 Buddy, by the way, is 14 pounds of fur, and he can be tricky at times, too. He’s 7 years old, going on 8, and he gets into his grumpy old man mode sometimes. They are so good for each other, I think. He teaches her how to walk, and she reminds him of how to be young. They are a really sweet pair! <3
"coarsely ground flax seed"…do I buy it whole and coffee grinder it? Or does it come coarsely ground in the store? If so, what brand?
That granola sounds delicious. Mmm.
Also, Levi and I want to puppy-nap Buddy. And we don't even want a pet!! I want all his fluffs on me. FLUFFEH!!