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granola

Homemade Granola

BreakfastLina LiwagComment

It's been rainy and chilly these recent days.  Just the perfect weather for comfort food: soups, stews, curries and yes, GRANOLA!  I've been making several batches of these for my family and also brought some for my co-workers.

I wasn't always into the 'granola making biz' since culturally it  wasn't something that I ate growing up.  Naturally, it wasn't always one of my fav foods to make.  That changed when my son started asking me to buy ready-made ones from the stores.  

And so since I wanted him to have a better option than store bought ones,  I had to start making them in my kitchen.  He did not really  like my uber healthy dehydrated sprouted buckwheat version.  He just wanted plain rolled oats with the rest of the fixings which, by the way, can also be made using a dehydrator.  However, since majority of the population does not own a dehydrator, I thought a baked version would be more relatable to everyone...especially to busy working moms like me.  

So here is my own 'Homemade Granola' recipe.  The great thing about this is that you can custom-make it according to your own combo preferences:grains, nuts, seeds and dried fruits.  Organic ingredients are always best to use in order to avoid pesticides, preservatives, GMO, sulphites and processed sugar.  

Homemade Granola
Ingredients (preferably organic)

3 cups rolled oats
1 cup coarsely chopped mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts and brazil nuts)
3/4 cup coconut flakes
6-7 pitted Medjool dates (depending on their size)
3/4 cup water
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground vanilla
3/4 cup mixed dried fruits (goji, cranberries and currants)

Method:
1.
  Preheat the oven at 350F.  In a blender or food processor, combine the dates, water, vanilla  and lemon.  Blend/process until the mixture turns into a smooth and saucy-like consistency.  
2.  In a bowl, mix the oats and nuts.  Pour the date sauce over them.  Mix together, using your hands would be the best, and make sure they are evenly coated.
3.  Take two cookie or baking sheets and line them with parchment paper.  Spread the mixture then bake for 25-30 minutes.  Stir at least 3-4 times to make sure they cook evenly.  Check for doneness after 20 minutes as they can get overcooked and therefore too hard.  
4. Add the coconut flakes 5 minutes before they're done.  Combine the dried fruits after baking.

Suggestions:
Cashews, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
Dried figs, apricots, cherries, golden berries, blueberries

Variation on sweetener:  1/3 cup maple syrup or honey

 “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10

This is a daily #notetoself for me since getting distracted and stressed out are things I struggle with if I'm not careful.  I recently checked out other versions of this Scripture and I have been amazed on what I found out and learned:

- Stop your fighting - and know that I am God 
- That's enough!  Now know that I am God
-Calm down, and learn that I am God
-Let go of your concerns! Then you will know that I am God.
-Cease striving and know that I am God. 
-Be quiet and know that I am God
-Be in awe and know that I am God

The Message version which  I find the most interesting, says this: "Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God. Surrender can be liberating when we give our worries and anxieties to God.  I know it's not easy but it's possible.  Praying and meditating on verses like these help me. I hope this encourages you as well.

Warmly,

Lina