Crunchy...

There is something about granola that gets me every time. I'm into the crunch. I rarely buy it pre-made because many brands pack their recipes with high fructose corn syrup and sugar. One exception to the rule is the granola made by Healing Home Foods which I discovered at Green & Tonic. The granola is made in small batches, is dairy and gluten free, and vegan. It's divine. The sweet nutty snack had me inspired to try my hand at a new homemade recipe. It's the perfect snack to make in big batches, keep in a jar on the counter, and grab on the go when you are running out the door without time for a proper meal. It's packed with protein and fiber. The semi-sweet chocolate chips make it ideal for those "must have chocolate" moments too. This recipe is so simple even the least culinary skilled among us could pull it off!

Peanut Butter Granola

3 cups instant oats
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt

1) Combine oats, flaxseed, peanut butter, coconut oil, salt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
2) Mix well until all oats are coated.
3) Stir in chocolate chips.
4) Spread mixture on cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil.
5) Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes (until edged start to brown).
6) Allow to cool, break up big chunks, and chow down!

Pure Maple Syrup from our favorite farm in VT

Dr. Bronner's Coconut Oil

Instant Oats

Guittard Chocolate Chips - My Guilty Pleasure

My Favorite Brand of Vanilla Extract

Flaxseed is a great add-in for cereals, baked goods, and smoothies!