Granola 2 Ways

These granola recipes make a wonderful snack or breakfast (add your milk of choice and maybe some fresh fruit). Once you try homemade granola, you won’t go back to the store-bought. It’s so much better! It's incredibly easy to make and is a healthier option since it’s made with whole grains, unrefined oil and is naturally sweetened. You can even play around with the mix-ins and spices to make it your own granola.

I also want to mention that the second granola recipe is my mom's. She is the one who has taught me everything I know in the kitchen and how to cook and eat healthy. She's my inspiration. I go to her with all my recipes, and she is the deciding factor if it should be shown to the world :) I'm so excited to feature one of her recipes, and I would love to post some more of her recipes once and a while, so I will be calling her recipes on my blog From Mom's Kitchen.

*NOTE: Although the granola photos look very similar in color and texture they actually taste completely different.

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Peanut-Butter Granola

This is my personal favorite granola. I LOVE peanut-butter and this is just so delicious to just snack on with some fruit. One of the best ways to eat this is to top a smoothie or yogurt bowl with berries. It gives a PB jelly kind of vibe. :)

Ingredients

• 4 cups old fashioned oats

• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter

• 1/2 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 2 Tbsp. chia seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl mix the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla until combined.

3. Add the oats, almonds, and chia seeds and mix into the wet ingredients until oats are completely coated.

4. Transfer oats to sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes stirring at the 10 minute mark. The granola should get slightly brown and crispy.

5. Store in a air-tight container.

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Coconut Vanilla Granola

From Mom's Kitchen

This granola is also another favorite of mine, but I've got to say that all the credit for this recipe goes to my Mom. She's been making this for as long as I can remember. It has great flavor and is more crunchy than the PB one. If you enjoy coconut and almonds together this one is definitely for you!

Ingredients

• 2 cups old fashioned oats

• 1 cup crisp rice cereal

• 3/4 cup shredded coconut

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon

• 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted (canola or vegetable oil can also be used but you won't get as good of a coconut flavor)

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1-2 tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper sprayed with cooking spray.

2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

3. In a measuring cup or small bowl, blend together liquid ingredients with a whisk until thoroughly mixed. Pour over the dry oats and stir with a rubber spatula until totally coated (the mixture should be some-what sticky).

4. Pour mixture on sheet and spread it out so it bakes evenly. Bake for 20 minutes, stir, and then bake for an additional 10 minutes.

5. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before storing in a air-tight container.