H-E-L-L-O beautiful people! Well, it’s been about 3 months since our 3rd blessing *Juliette Rose* was born and I am just now finally starting to get into the groove of things! Yeah, I know, I know…took me long enough, huh? Lol!!! I’ll be posting more about that soon. 🙂 But for now, I have an amazing recipe that I just HAVE to share with you! Some of you probably remember posting about this one on FB awhile back. Since then I’ve changed it up a bit so I’m re-sharing here! It’s soooo good! It’s become a bit of a staple around here!
It’s funny, but other than the occasional Chipotle cravings, I didn’t do really well with food this time around in my pregnancy. Even in my 3rd trimester I was actually experiencing some of the 1st trimester symptoms, like lack of appetite, sensitivity to smell, and it didn’t matter how much or how little I ate, it would try and find a way to come up. Over share? Sorry! But there was one thing that I kept going back to over and over. And even now, I can eat it for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and never tire of it!
*COCONUT, QUINOA, CHIA SEED GRANOLA*
So, honestly? I do not love granola. At least not store bought granola. It’s too sweet for me and I feel like it has an artificial taste.
But this is AMAZING! I sprinkle it on oatmeal, yogurt or cottage cheese, or even on plain seasonal fruit. It has honestly become one of my “go-to” of foods. 🙂 My husband loves to snack on it as is. My kids love it on everything, and I love that it’s healthy too. I mean, just look at the ingredients, is there anything in there that isn’t delicious all on its own? Nope! Now, combine them together and BOOM! You got one yummy superfood! Before we start, let’s look at a few fun health facts. Why? Because I’m a nerd 😉
QUINOA— A complete protein source (which means that it provides all the essential amino acids), rich in minerals (Manganese, Phosphorus, Copper, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc), high in antioxidants…
CHIA SEEDS–Among the most nutritious foods on the planet, loaded with proteins, Omega-3’s, fiber, minerals, antioxidants and more (look for my chia seed pudding recipe, coming soon)
FLAX SEED— Great source of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), fiber (natural laxative-promotes regularity), full of antioxidants, lowers blood pressure and blood cholesterol
COCONUT OIL— Contains fatty acids with powerful medicinal properties, boost brain function, kills harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses and fungi, reduces risk of heart disease, great for skin
STELL CUT OATS— Full of fiber, just one cup contains more than 10 grams of protein, aids in healthy digestion, reduces cholesterol, balances blood sugar levels, also great for skin and hair
BOOM! Sup-ah food!
Here’s what you’ll need 🙂
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 1/2 cup quinoa, uncooked
- 1/2 cup almonds, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup of ground flax seed
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- 5 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes, unsweetened
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine oats, quinoa, almonds, flax seeds, chia seeds and salt.
In a small pot, melt coconut oil and add maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir to combine and pour into the bowl with dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly and spread in an even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove granola from the oven and sprinkle with coconut flakes. Let cool completely and do not touch. After it cools, break into pieces and enjoy!
Oh yeah! If you want to add some cranberry or any dry fruit to your mix before you bake it, or throw in a little somethin’ that you love (nuts, seeds, etc), this is a no fool recipe, anything goes. And though I would love to take full credit for this recipe as my own, that’s just not the case. I left out or added and tweaked this version to my liking, but you can find the original recipe here! (….Alright, its not working….I’ll add the link in here soon….)
This also makes a beautiful gift too (for your dinner host, new neighbor, teacher, anyone would love it). I like to put it in a mason jar and tie a bow and note around it.. it’s lovely 🙂
Hope you give it a try :))
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