A few weeks ago I passed along a great DIY Shake ‘n Sniff idea from YogaBabes. I also encouraged you to get “crafty & creative” this holiday season. It is only acceptable that one follows his/her own advice, right? I am proud to say that I have actually had a wonderful time creating homemade gifts this year and plan to share a few of these ideas with you over the next week and a half.
Today’s idea encompasses a few of my favorite things: coconut, vanilla, almonds, oats and cute jars J Vanilla Coconut Almond Granola is one of my favorite things! Granola is delicious with almond milk (or your favorite milk choice or alternative), sprinkled over yogurt or an acai bowl. It also makes a delicious oatmeal-topping, can be used as a crumble for apple crisp, and of course is a wonderful treat all by itself.
Granola is extremely quick and easy to make and is so much better than any option available at your local market. Why? Because you know where it came from, what ingredients are used, and well of course because it’s homemade! You will not find butter or sugar in this recipe, so that in and of itself is AWESOME! Package your finished product in a cute vintage jar; add a ribbon and a gift tag. Voila! A wonderful, edible gift!
4 cups of organic old-fashioned oats (not quick oats or instant)
2 cups unsweetened shaved coconut (or shredded)
2 cups of sliced almonds (of your favorite nut)
2 cups of unsalted sunflower seeds (pumpkin would also work)
½ cup of raw organic honey (add more or less based on your liking)
4-5 tablespoons of coconut oil
1 vanilla bean
Directions:
Preheat over to 350°F. Add the coconut oil to a small pan and slowly melt over low heat. Slice the vanilla bean, from end to end, and place the bean and the seeds in the pan with the coconut oil. Add the honey and slowly heat the three ingredients over low heat until no separation occurs and vanilla has infused the liquid (approximately three minutes).
Place the oats, coconut, nuts, and seeds into a large bowl and mix to combine. Pour the liquid mixture over the oats and stir until everything looks “wet.”
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| Left: before wet mixture; Right: after wet mixture |
Spray olive oil on two large jellyroll pans and spoon the raw granola mixture evenly across the pan. Put both pans into the oven; bake granola for five to eight minutes, and then stir. Continue to bake and stir until the granola turns a nice shade of golden. Remove from the oven and let the granola cool on the pan.
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| Top: before baking; Bottom: after baking |
When the granola has cooled completely, transfer to sealable jars or containers, add your finishing decorative touches, and gift away!
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