Happy Wednesday! I know I've been MIA from the blog, but I was lacking creativity and i needed some time to just live life. Stepping away from the computer, social media, etc. helps me refocus and get the creative juices flowing. I baked up a storm the past week so I have some new recipes coming that I'm excited to share, but today I'm sharing one of my new favorite recipes.
Granola and I are sort of like peanut butter and jelly, we just go together. I love sprinkling some over fruit, dairy free yogurt, smoothie bowls, etc. I like a little added crunch but it's so hard to find store bought granola that isn't loaded with a bazillion ingredients, sugar, and lord knows what else. I was making some goodies for a friend this weekend and I know she loves granola so I whipped up a batch of coconut chia granola. This has become a favorite with my mom because it's so easy and quick to make, plus it's so customizable!
- 2 cups gluten free oats
- 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, divided
- 1/4 cup nut butter of choice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- OPTIONAL: chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 325 and line a baking sheet with tinfoil (or silpat mat) and spray with coconut oil or nonstick cook spray.
In a large mixing bowl combine oats and chia seeds.
In a separate mixing bowl add nut butter and honey. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir and if the nut butter isn't melted microwave for an additional 15-20 seconds and stir again.
Stir brown sugar and vanilla extract into nut butter/honey combo.
Pour liquid ingredients over oats/chia seeds and stir until all oats are covered.
Spread oats out into an even layer on baking sheet. Sprinkle 2 Tablespoons of coconut flakes over oats.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until granola is golden brown. Stir oats halfway through cooking so they brown evenly.
Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining 2 Tablespoons coconut flakes over granola. Allow to cool complete before adding in chocolate chips and storing in an airtight container.
If you make this yummy granola take a picture, tag me on instagram, and use the hashtag #thesimplelife I'd love to see your creations! Don't forget to like my new Facebook page!
If you make this yummy granola take a picture, tag me on instagram, and use the hashtag #thesimplelife I'd love to see your creations! Don't forget to like my new Facebook page!
Yum! This looks so good! I'm putting it on my meal plan for next week :-)
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to tell me how you like it!! The first batch I made when I was recipe testing disappeared in less than a day- always a good sign :) I hope you have a wonderful day!
DeleteI love how simple this granola is. I like my granola soaked up in vanilla almond milk--I like how the oats get soft and the milk gets all sweet.
ReplyDeleteSimple recipes are my favorite!! I try to keep the ingredients simple, because most people don't have fancy ingredients in their pantry. Oh my goodness granola soaked in almond milk sounds so good!! I'm definitely going to have to try this :)
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