136.8…Homemade Granola & Peanut Butter
Yesterday I made two things I’ve surprisingly NEVER made before: granola AND peanut butter. Can you believe that!?!
I was inspired by my friend Mellissa from A Fit and Spicy Life’s recipe for Apple Agave Granola. I had all the ingredients, so I thought…why not??
So glad I made it! It was so simple and the house smelled amazing while it was all baking in the oven.
Apple Agave Granola
Recipe from: A Fit and Spicy Life
- 2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup almonds, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tbsp agave nectar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Preheat oven to 350.
In a large bowl mix the oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, brown sugar, cinnamon, apple pie spice, salt and raisins.
Over low heat combine apple sauce, agave and vegetable oil.
Combine with the oats until everything is coated well.
Spread in a single layer on a cookie sheets and bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes.
Let cool and store in a resealable container.
*Note: the only thing I didn’t have was the apple pie spice but here is any easy substitution: For every 1 tsp of apple pie spice: 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/8 tsp allspice, 1/8 tsp cardamom.
I baked my granola for 50 minutes and it had started to burn so I’d just watch it at about the 45 minute mark. Even so, it is some serious delicious granola and I love that it’s not full of oil or other naughty ingredients. :)
Recently, my sister in law told me how easy it was to make peanut butter in the Vitamix. I took out my Vitamix cookbook and followed the instructions. In went 3 cups of unsalted, roasted peanuts and after some very loud blending, homemade peanut butter was born.
I was very proud of myself. :)
Last night’s dinner may not be as exciting as homemade granola and peanut butter but it was still good.
Whole wheat spaghetti with marinara sauce, sautéed zucchini, onions and green peppers all topped with some fresh basil.
So….while I was lying in bed last night, I could not decide what I was going to eat for breakfast this morning. Would it be the granola or the peanut butter???? Seriously…I must have gone back and forth on it several time. In the end, the granola won out.
Chobani Black Cherry yogurt with my beloved granola hiding under all those berries. Delicious.
I took the kids to school, went to spin class, came home to change and then went to the mall to run some errands. I stopped at Nordstrom for lunch. I tried the Chicken & Artichoke salad.
Holy yummy deliciousness. I was in love at the first bite. Romaine lettuce topped with marinated artichokes, tomatoes, red onion, chicken and goat cheese in a fabulous dressing. I need this salad again soon.
After picking up the kids from school, I knew exactly what I wanted for a snack. My peanut butter. :)
It went right onto apple slices. Loved it! I have a feeling I will be seeing my peanut butter again in the morning. :)
Have you ever made your own granola and/or peanut butter?
For the peanut butter...roasted unsalted peanuts and what else? I'm intrigued. I love Peanut Butter.
ReplyDelete@CeCe @Frugalista Married
ReplyDeleteThat was it!! I'm sure because I'm using a Vitamix, it was able to blend the peanuts without anything else. I'm not sure it would work in another blender like that.
Melissa, do you have any tips for not grazing? I am a serious grazer and I feel like I always crave sugar even though I am otherwise extremely healthy. I don't eat fatty foods, red meat, and do not eat breads due to a gluten sensitivity. Thanks!
ReplyDelete@Christina_Luvs2Dance
ReplyDeleteHi Christina! Here's my tips: If there food(s) that you have a hard time resisting, don't keep them in the house. I have a hard time once I start eating Wheat Thins, I can't stop. My kids like them so I have to have them at home. In this case, I'll take out a portion size and put it in a bowl instead of reaching in the bag/box over and over again.
When I crave sweets, I try chewing gum. A lot of the time that will do it.
I also make sure I eat every 3 to 4 hours and my meal needs to contain some sort of protein and fat. These things really help me!! Hope that helps you!
How long did it take to blend the peanut butter, I want to try this!
ReplyDeleteI found using a silpat helps keep the granola from burning.
@Mellissa
ReplyDeleteIt only took a couple of minutes. I can't remember the exact Vitamix instructions but you start low and work your way higher. Do you want me to send you the instructions? Did you Vitamix come with a cookbook? If so...I bet it's in there! :)
@Mellissa
ReplyDeleteOh and thanks for the tip on the silpat. I"ll try that next time.
The granola looks awesome! I'll have to add that to my must try list. I make granola occasionally, but often use Kellogg's FiberPlus cereal to top my yogurt or enhance my trail mixes since its so easy to grab and go.
ReplyDeleteI love homemade granola - I actually am going to make some tonight using a recipe that calls for fruit puree in the mix - I pureed kiwi and watermelon this morning - in my head it works out!
ReplyDeleteOMG, homemade peanut butter - I would stick a spoon in there every time I went in the kitchen if I had that. :D
thanks so much for your help!
ReplyDeleteThis looks mouthwatering! I have to give it a try later this week for me and my hubby.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post,
Grandma Kat
XOXOXOXOXO
You have such a blessing hand. Your husband and sons would love you much. This is such a great post for me. I love to make my jam all the time. But mine is usually the simple one. I love to make pineapple and strawberry jam my self. To my taste they taste a way much better than the one in store. Thanks for inspiring to make my peanut butter :)
ReplyDeleteHow to Make Sweet Potato Fries