Do you have a few "food memories" from your childhood or teen years? I used to love making No Bakes with my girlfriends...and if they didn't harden we didn't mind. Oh!! To share a batch of cookies in one sitting with your friends! One of my girlfriends introduced me to granola. I loved her simple recipe back in high school and still do today.
A couple weeks ago I made this recipe...and had to call her on the phone to tell her. This is her basic recipe, though I added ground flax and chocolate chips to it. I also prefer Craisins over raisins unless eating them by themselves. Chocolate is added for health purposes, right?
Granola
3 cups rolled oats (not quick)
1/2 cup nuts (optional)
1/2 cup ground flax (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup honey
2/3+ cup Craisins (and/or raisins or other dried fruit and chocolate chips or any add-ins, totaling about 1 cup)
Prepare 9x13 pan with oil or baking spray. Mix dry ingredients in large bowl or the 9x13 pan. Add honey and butter and stir well, coating all of the oats. Bake at 250° for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in Craisins. If adding chocolate chips, stir them in after the granola is cool. (If doubling the recipe, bake for 30+ minutes.)
This is a great treat by itself; that is how I prefer it. My son especially likes it mixed into his yogurt. When I am craving a sweet treat around three o'clock, a few spoonfuls of this sets me right.
To Double or Triple Granola Recipe
Mix directly in a large roasting pan, Add 10+ minutes baking time.
Please Note:
~ When your nearly four your old is assisting you with granola, just dirty the big bowl instead of mixing in the pan. It's just simpler that way.
~ In the above picture about 1/2 cup of Craisins and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips were added. Remember, you can combine flavors, but don't use more than 1 cup total.
~ If you do not have ground flax, use another 1/2 cup of nuts.
~ Annette {This Simple Mom}
If for no other known reason than that chocolate makes you HAPPY, then yes, let's consider it healthy. You have my vote.
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