First Post :) and Delicious and Healthy Homemade Granola

     Seeing as this is my first post, I figured I should explain this blog a little bit more.  Not only am I a food connoisseur for the finest cuisine while dining in, out, and in a rush; i've also become quite health conscious.  After going to college for my freshman year, I was a bit concerned about the dreaded FRESHMAN 15.  Needless to say, I avoided this terrible fate only to become much more conscious of what keeps my body feeling healthy and full for the longest amount of time (between hw, social activities, bf Ben (**who will post from time to time!**), and working out, I was practically the energizer bunny).  Now, lets get real here though, I DO enjoy a lot of food that still happens to be horrible for me :-P, I just have less of it. I hope you enjoy my recipes, tips, and stories!

Lauren :)   *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***


For my first recipe I decided to start simple and include the recipe for my homemade healthy granola.  My inspiration came from the fact that I hate the texture of yogurt. In order to add a boost of texture, flavor, and fiber to a snack or meal, just sprinkle in about  1/4-1/2 cup granola!  A few of my favorite ways to eat it are: in a parfait, on ice cream, in oatmeal, in cereal...etc.  This granola is so great because there can be so many substitutions depending on your preference.  You may also choose to add many different types of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and this last time I made it I even sprinkled in a little bit of coconut that I had left over from making my German Chocolate cake (recipe still to come)  for my dad for Fathers' day.  Just try to either choose dry roasted nuts or unsalted nuts/seeds.  A few more bonuses for taking the time to make this are: SOO much less $; many granolas at grocery stores can be $4-$6, and you know exactly what goes into your creation (NO preservatives).  It provides a great source of proteins, carbs, and healthy fats, so enjoy & happy granola-making!


Delicious and Healthy Homemade Granola

Ingredients:

One single serve portion of sugar-free applesauce

3ish teaspoons of cinnamon

~1 tbsp.-2 tbsp. of honey

4 cups of old fashioned (NOT INSTANT) oats

1 cup puffed rice (no sugar added)

3ish tablespoons of flax seeds

1/4- 1/2 cup of raisons (or choice dried fruit)

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup slivered almonds

Mix together oats, puffed rice, sugar-free applesauce, and water thoroughly until all liquid is distributed evenly. Mixture should be moist.  Then add cinnamon, flax seeds, raisons, and nuts.  Add about half of the honey and mix together.  Then place on a cooking sheet and spread out as flat as possible. Drizzle remaining honey on top of the mixture after it has been spread out.  Put in oven for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees F and then take out and flip (as much as possible) with spatula.  Leave in for another 15 minutes and then check it.  It should be crispy (NOT still moist) and a light-med brown color.  Add dried fruit and mix together.  Cool and then store in an airtight container for maximum freshness.