Granola Heads Unite: The Best Blessed by God Granola ever!

I really like cereal. A bowl of cereal swimming in fresh, cold milk just hits the spot. I haven’t purchased any cereal in a long time because I haven’t found a cereal, even brands that claim to be “healthy,” that isn’t really a bowl full of refined sugar! So, I have had to suffer without cereal! (LOL) Then, I discovered that I could make my own cereal or more accurately, Homemade Granola.  And…no sugar added!  But even better, I have used the Homemade Granola and created Peanut Butter Granola Squares. And again…no sugar added. I use real maple syrup or raw local honey. You know, maple syrup that comes from sap from a tree. Or raw local honey that the bees in the neighborhood put together. And who created the trees that produces that sap that turns into that rich and delicious maple syrup? God! And who taught the bees how to grab that pollen from those beautiful flowers to take back to the hive to create that liquid gold called honey? God!  Then, add in oats and nuts and sunflower seeds, that were all kissed by the sun; you know, the sun that God gave us. Really, this should be called "The Best Blessed by God Granola ever!"

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Genesis 1:3

Then God said,“Let there be light,” and there was light.

Genesis 1:11-12

And God said, "Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth." And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 

Look all around you and see the beauty of spring. Everything is new and fresh and blooming and beautiful. So grab a bowl of Homemade Granola (The Best Blessed by God Granola ever!) and have breakfast on the porch or patio. Or grab the Peanut Butter Granola Squares and head to the ballpark! 

God is Good; All the time!

Priscilla

Homemade Granola

The Best Blessed by God Granola ever!

4 cups old fashioned oats

1 cup pecans or almonds or  both

1/2 cup unsalted sunflower kernels or pumpkin seeds or a mixture of both

1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut

2 to 3 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup maple syrup or honey

1/3 cup butter

1/3 cup coconut oil

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 300.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 

Place the old fashioned oats, pecans or almonds, sunflower kernels or pumpkin seeds and the coconut into a large bowl. Add the cinnamon and salt. 

Place the maple syrup or honey with the butter , coconut oil and the vanilla in a small saucepan. Over low heat, stir until the butter is melted and everything has blended well. Pour this golden nectar over the oat mixture. Stir, stir, stir until the dry ingredients are shimmering with the liquid. Spread the ready to bake Homemade Granola mixture evenly on the parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes and gently stir. Bake for 15 more minutes and gently stir. Bake for 15 additional minutes and remove the pan from the oven. Let the pan cool to allow the Homemade Granola to continue to “dry”. The Homemade Granola will crisp while as it cools. Store in a large glass jar or any large sealed container. 

Option -Blend in up to a cup of raisins or any dried fruit to the Homemade Granola when the baking sheet is removed from the oven.

Peanut Butter Granola Squares

14 pitted medjool dates

!/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup

1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter

2 cups homemade granola (recipe follows)

Topping (Optional)

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

1/2 cup homemade granola 

In a food processor, add the dates, honey or maple syrup and peanut butter. The dates will begin to blend with the peanut butter and honey to form a sticky ball. Place the sticky ball into a deep bowl and stir in the 2 cups of homemade granola. Stir, stir, stir to blend well. 

Line a 7 X 11 pan with overlapping parchment paper. I use a piece large enough to cover the Peanut Butter Granola Squares while they set and to gently pull them out of the pan for easier cutting.  Spoon the Peanut Butter Granola Squares mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan on top of the parchment paper. Using a rubber spatula or the palm of your hand, pat and push the Peanut Butter Granola Squares evenly into the pan. 

Mix the topping by combining the 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate with the 1/2 cup of homemade granola. Evenly sprinkle the topping over the Peanut Butter Granola Squares. 

Using the extra parchment paper, cover the Peanut Butter Granola Squares. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or more to set. Remove the Peanut Butter Granola Squares from the pan by grabbing each side of the extra parchment paper and gently lifting. Place the parchment paper holding the Peanut Butter Granola Squares on a cutting board and using a sharp knife, cut the Peanut Butter Granola Squares into 1 inch to 2 inch squares. 

Store in a sealed container or wrap each square with plastic wrap for an on the go snack.