Hiii there peeps!

Lately, I’ve been experimenting with raw ingredients like nuts, cacao, spirulina, etc. …and I think granola is a great vehicle to add in a lot of these good n’ tasty foods! Plus it’s a great item to have when you are on the run & for a fast breaky!

This week I have cut out dairy & meat from my diet, and to be honest I do feel more energetic, and my mind clearer. However — it is extremely hard to live this lifestyle! I went to dinner on Monday night for my dads bday and scanned the menu of the steakhouse and seriously there was one thing that I could eat — garlic hummus — without altering the other options. I feel for all you vegans out their — mucho respect! But I still think moderation & balance is where it’s at, for me at least. I do plan on drinking green juice every day though because I think the veggies are a must and I also plan on cutting down the animal based proteins to once or twice a week — because the research on a plant based lifestyles/diets don’t lie — it’s pretty amazing — and the best news yet — my hubby is on board!! this is major. Anywhoser–I love granola — so here is how I make this tasty snack!

How to make your own granola:

Ingredients

• 2 cups (180 grams) old-fashioned gluten free oats
• 1/4 cup sweetener such as agave syrup or honey
• 1/4 cup olive oil, or melted coconut oil (I used coconut oil)
• 1 cup nuts, whole or sliced (I used almonds, cashews, pepitas, pistachios)
• 1 – 2 cups of more nuts, shredded coconut, dried fruit, seeds, or cacao nibs.
• 1 tbsp. of chia seeds (opt. — I used)
• 2 tbsp. ground flax (opt. — I used)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon flavoring such as vanilla, coconut, or almond extract
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon spice such as cinnamon, ginger, pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tbsp. orange zest (I used this to make the orange-vanilla-cinny granola)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, nuts and any other dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the melter coconut oil, extracts, and liquid sweetener, if using. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly so that everything is moistened.
3. Spread out on a large sheet pan and bake until golden, 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Let cool.
4. Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several weeks.