Before we talk food, my camera broke. There were tears, probably more than necessary, and panicked “this is an emergency” phone calls. I’d like to blame the hormones on the emotional outburst. Now, the big question, do I pay to have it fixed or take this opportunity to invest in a nicer camera?  Keep in mind, the camera (Canon Rebel 300D) was my mom’s that she purchased in 2005 (or 2004?). As if you really had to think about that one. After doing some research and price comparison, I found a great deal and will be receiving the Canon 60D in one week! Huge thank you to my parents for the most AMAZING birthday present, ever! I cried, tears of happiness that is, but still, I cried. In the meantime, I’m shooting with a friend’s camera (thank you, Linc!) and an old lens so please be kind, I don’t really now I’m doing, yet.

… and we’re back to the food. I’ve discovered many of you are going dairy free, which can make meals like breakfast difficult. Since breakfast is the most important meal, you better not think twice about skipping it. Seriously, it will mess up your metabolism & have you eating more later. For those of you who I’ve turned on to my previous granola recipe (yes you – Tory, Sandra, both Grandma’s, Whitney, Mom, Sue, and the list goes on), don’t worry, it’s the same recipe, just slightly revised. This is my husband’s favorite and he eats it EVERY morning! He comes home tomorrow from a business trip and I’m surprising him with fresh batch for him to take to the office. Wife points.

How to eat Granola…

• Eat is as a cereal. Try Almond milk or rice milk for non-dairy & non-soy options. Add fresh berries more nutrients
• Mix in with yogurt. For dairy free yogurt, try So Delicious Coconut Milk Yogurt - it’s vegan, gluten-free, soy-free! Again, add fresh berries more nutrients
• Snack on it. Fill a ziplock or mason jar and keep in your desk drawer for when your hunger kicks in.

I usually store the granola in mason jars vs. ziplocks and find it lasts longer. Just saying.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy granola?

Health Week Recap | Day 1: Berry-licious Smoothie; Day 2: Curried Eggplant and Quinoa Burgers – More healthy recipes to come!

{Prepared and Photographed by With Style and Grace}

Homemade Granola Recipe

{Adapted from The Kitchen Sink}

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups rolled oats – to ensure gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes, unsweetened
• 3 tablespoons flax seeds
• 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup toasted mixed nuts, chopped (I used toasted slivered almonds)
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup grapeseed oil – I used Canola oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups mixed dried fruit (I used raisins, dried cranberries and dried apricots)

Note: This is considered healthy when compared to the store bought processed granola. If you’d like less sugar, simply decrease the amount of honey, maple syrup and dried fruit.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degree F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the dried fruit. Mix until combined.

Spread the granola mixture on the baking sheet, spread it out into an even layer. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until nice and golden brown. Recommend you stir every 10 minutes.

Remove granola from the oven and let cool completely (in pan) and on a wire wrack. Once the granola has finally cooled, mix in the dried fruit. Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!

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