Happy New Year!  

The busyness of the holidays is behind us and it is time to take a breath! Some people will be making resolutions this month. Instead of having a resolution that I will probably have broken by the end of the month (or week), I like thinking about how I can be a better person.  I can do this gradually and intentionally and not feel like it is a make it or break it issue with a time line.  Showing kindness to people is something I think the world could use right now.  Being kind to ourselves can make us more likely to be kind to others. Share a smile, hold the door open for someone, or take a bag of cookies to someone who needs cheering up.  Small deeds of kindness can make someone’s day brighter.  Treating others with kindness can impact people in unexpected ways.

     This month I am sharing a favorite recipe of mine that I make often.  Healthy Granola can be used in so many ways.  I like it on my yogurt in the morning, but it is also great for a snack or on salads, ice cream or baked fruit.  You can change up the ingredients to suit your preference. Any way you like it, make sure and make it!  I have included the gluten free (GF) brands I use. Put some in a bag, tie a ribbon around it, and take it to a friend.  Kindness makes the world a happier place.  

Blessings,

Peggy Isenhour

*4 cups old fashioned rolled oats (I use Bob’s Red Mill GF oats or Kirkland GF oats)

1 ½ cup nuts or seeds (I use walnuts)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ cup olive oil 

½ cup maple syrup or honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2/3 cup dried fruit (I use dried cranberries, raisins or apricots)

Optional:  ½ cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes

 

Preheat oven to 350°.  Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.  In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts/seeds, salt and cinnamon.  Stir to blend.  Pour in the oil, maple syrup/honey and vanilla.  Mix well until every oat and nut is lightly coated.  Pour the granola onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer.  Bake until lightly golden, about 17-20 minutes, stirring halfway.  If you prefer extra clumpy granola, press the stirred granola down with a spatula to create a more even layer.  The granola will further crisp up as it cools.  Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed for at least 45 minutes.  After cooled, add the dried fruit, chocolate chips, etc.  Store the granola at room temperature for 1-2 weeks or in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months.

 

*Regular oats are NOT gluten free.