game-time granola.

do you get nervous the day before you’re going to a sporting event because you’re already having nightmares of the calories that are seeping out of those cheese-covered nachos or the french fries topped with buffalo wings (yes. that is a real thing…)? but if that’s what you’re nervous about, fear no more! (unless you're worried about getting hit with a flying ball or puck. sorry. can't help you there...) we recently went to a baseball game (goooo pirates!) & made sure to stock up on healthy, yet filling, snacks to get us through! the big hit was our homemade granola, which can be adjusted so it’s just the way you like it! there’s minimal prep work & it makes enough to last the whole game, even with extra innings!! this recipe came courtesy of the daring gourmet! she gave us all the details & left out any vegetable oils & refined sugars ;) check it out below!

Healthy Homemade Granola
Makes 6 cups

Ingredients

•   4 cups raw oats (not quick or instant)

•   ¾ cup unsweetened dried flaked coconut

•   ⅓ cup chopped or sliced almonds

•   3 tablespoons sunflower seeds (unsalted)

•   1 tablespoon flax seeds

•   1 tablespoon sesame seeds

•   ⅓ cup raw honey

•   3 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil

•   ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

•   1 cup assorted dried fruit, like apricots, raisins, cranberries, cherries, pineapple, dates, etc.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

2. Place the oats in a large mixing bowl. Add the coconut flakes, nuts and seeds and stir to combine.

3. Place the honey and coconut oil in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for one minute and remove from heat. Stir in almond extract if using.

4. Pour honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir until coated.

5. Spread the granola out on a large baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring every few minutes to prevent burning.

6. Let the granola cool completely then add the dried fruits and stir to combine.

Store in an airtight container. Keeps for about a week. Serve with milk and fresh berries if desired.

well…that’s it! you can pick whichever dried fruits you want, but if you’re choosing store-bought, be sure to make choices with minimal added/refined sugar!

we hope you enjoy this recipe & we promise you’ll need to keep making more, since it’ll go faster than you can say “raise the jolly roger!!!”

stay tuned for the recipe for our tailgating chickpea salad we made for the pregame! it's a gorgeous dish & again, super easy to make!

keep studying :)
xx TFNHQ