Simple Homemade granola

I love granola! I stopped buying it in the market place because it is so sweet or just had too much of this and that. So I tried and tried and here we are with a recipe that is not too sweet and doesn't have too many sugars . Just a little honey and maple syrup (you can always add more of either or just add a little brown sugar). I'm diabetic so I try to really watch the sugar intake, even natural sugars. As a diabetic, it's a must.
My friends also love to get receive this as a special little gift. Add a bow and and little note and there you have it, a special homemade gift for your friends to enjoy.
 So  there you  have it, that's the story behind my granola. Simple, affordable, diabetic friendly, homemade and a nice little treat for a loved one (teachers).

Short sweet and simple homemade granola

 3 cups old fashioned oats

3/4 cup whole raw almonds 

1/4   chopped raw almonds (or your favorite nut)

Sprinkle of cinnamon (adjust cinnamon to your liking)

1/3 cup Real Maple Syrup or agave nectar (amber)

1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)

2 1/2 Tablespoons honey

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

1 cup dried dates, dried fruit or berries raisins (optional) I used 1 cup of dried dates

**If you prefer a sweeter granola, add about ¼ cups brown sugar at step 2**

Directions:

1)     Preheat oven to 300 degree
 line baking sheet with  parchment paper

2)     Combine oats, 1/2 cup almonds,  salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.

3)     In a small saucepan, on medium/low heat (do not boil) melt coconut oil then add vanilla, maple syrup and honey.

4)     Once melted, remove from heat then pour into oat mixture then mix until mixture is evenly coated.

Pour mixtures onto lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Then at about 15-20 minutes you want  to mix the granola then continue to bake until evenly a beautiful golden brown.

 Once the sweet aroma of the cinnamon and maple fill the room, it’s a sign that your granola is almost done. Yum!

·        Granola will become crunchy once it cool and is also the time to add in your favorite dried fruits, berries, additional nuts, flax. Enjoying making your own combos!

·        Note: Store granola in an airtight container ( I prefer mason jars) it will keep for a few weeks. Not sure how long exactly since one batch lasts about 1 week in my house.. I imagine the granola would last for 2+ weeks.
I like to eat granola as is or add it to my yogurt (see my recipe for yogurt).
enjoy! post your feed back in the comment section. 

Make your own yogurt

I love yogurt, a plain yogurt that is. 
this is a relatively simple recipe for homemade yogurt and the recipe I use quite often.
you will need:

1 quart milk (preferably organic)
small single serve plain yogurt or a plain Greek yogurt works also (use a good quality)

2 quart pot (or larger)

cooking thermometer (candy thermometer if you have one, just clip it on pot)

large bath towel (you will need this at the end)

1 quart milk (I used Horizon organic whole milk but you can use 2% if you prefer). *Whole milk will give you a firmer texture.

4 Tbs. Yogurt

In a pot, bring the milk to about 180F (do not boil)

Once milk has reached 180, Remove from heat and let cool until the milk cools to 115 degrees. 

while milk is cooling, (Optional but recommended) heat oven to about 200-225F. I prefer to use this method. some people prefer not to heat the oven or place it in am already warm room.

If you decide not to heat the oven, just place the towel covered pot in a warm place and do not open dish for about 10 hours.

Once milk has cooled to 115 degrees you can stir in the yogurt (mix well)

Turn off oven. 

Cover pot with a towel and place in warm over.
Place in oven for 8-10 hours. 
** it is important not to open the oven door during this time** trust me, there is nothing to see.

When you remove the pot you will have liquid on top. Don't fret my friend, its supposed to be there. Simply use paper towels or a non fragrant (aka non-detergent) kitchen towel to absorb the liquid. You may want to replace the paper towels after each serving or simply drain each time. 

Chill yogurt for a couple of hours and enjoy as is or with granola, fresh fruit or honey. 
Note* since this is homemade and not processed the consistency/texture will be a little different than store bought yogurt. 

if you like flavored yogurt, simply add cold fresh fruit and give it a quick wiz in the blender and refrigerate. 

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Thanks friends!

Mocha Popsicles

I don't know about you, but I hate wasting leftover coffee. So, here is a super easy way to use your leftover liquid gold. 3 simple ingredients! 

Mocha Popsicles! 
Disguise your coffee addiction by using your leftover coffee in a Popsicle! 
1 1/2 Tbsp. Unsweetened cocoa powder. 
2 cups coffee (strong coffee)
2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk.
In a bowl add (cool/room temp) coffee and condensed milk, mix them slowly add cocoa powder. 
*Don't add too much cocoa or the Popsicle will not freeze well. Pour mixture into mold and freeze.

Finished product:

Since it is made with coffee (unless decaf) I do not recommend giving this to kids. No need to give my already active kids anymore reason to bounce off the walls.