142.8…Almond Coconut Granola

There is no mistake: I love granola. But it is amazing how much fat, calories and extra junk some granolas have. This is why I like to make my own. You control your own junk. :) My friend Melanie sent me this recipe and I love it!

Almond Coconut Granola 

Ingredients:

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup slivered almonds

1 cup sweetened or unsweetened coconut (I prefer unsweetened)

1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. (or 6 Tbsp.) dark brown sugar

1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. maple syrup

1/4 cup vegetable oil

3/4 tsp. salt

1 cup dried cranberries or fruit of choice, optional

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut and brown sugar.

3. In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup, oil and salt. Combine both mixtures and pour onto a baking sheet.

4. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve an even color.

5. Remove from oven and transfer to a large bowl. Add dried fruit, if using. 

Printable Recipe

For dinner last night, I defrosted and reheated Chicken Ragu sauce leftovers and made some fresh pasta to go with it.

I also made a Caesar salad to go with it. Easy.

Breakfast this morning was pineapple Chobani yogurt, Almond Coconut Granola and mixed berries. 

After I took the kids to school, I went to the gym for some cardio and weights. Afterwards, I met a couple of friends at the mall and we ran errands, stopping for lunch at True Foods Kitchen. I had never been was excited to try it.  I ordered the Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken (cucumbers, olives, cherry tomatoes, quinoa, feta, sprouted almond and lemon oregano vinaigrette):

Healthy and delicious. Winner. There were SO many things on the menu that I wanted to try. Looks like I will have to go back!

I just got out of a meeting and am waiting to pick up the kids from school. Tonight we are going to our school's "Back to School Night" and will grab some dinner afterwards. It's one of those "run run run!" days!

What do you like in your granola? Do you make your own?

Technorati Tags: Almond Coconut Granola, Chicken Ragu, Chobani, Everyday, True Food Kitchen