Basket and colorful napkins from Pier 1 Imports. Victoria Red Sunglasses from Moscot.
New York’s hot & humid weather has called me in for a delicious, light, and healthful summertime treat of homemade granola parfaits. Rather than resorting to my usual store bought granola, investing time to make this granola was totally worth it as it filled my dorm with a delicious, mouth-watering aroma, and made me realize how things taste so much better homemade. Store bought granolas commonly use sugar and vegetable oil, although mine contains no refined sugars or vegetable oils. Instead, it is made with raw honey and coconut oil, which both contain a variety of health benefits. Raw honey contains antioxidants, vitamins, and helps to balance blood sugar levels. Health benefits of coconut oil include a boosted immune system, bone strength, and helps regulate the metabolism. It’s also beneficial for the heart as it contains lauric acid which helps to prevent various heart problems such as high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. This granola also includes other healthful ingredients such as flax seeds which are high is omega 3’s and fiber, a variety of heart-healthy nuts, and antioxidant packed dried fruits. It definitely packs a punch!
Ingredients
– 4 cups of rolled oats
– 3/4 cup unsweetened dried flaked cocunut
– 1/3 cup chopped almonds
– 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds
– 1 tablespoon flax seeds
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
– 1/3 cup raw honey
– 3 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
– honey greek yogurt
– fresh blueberries
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Place the oats in a large mixing bowl. Add the coconut flakes, nuts and seeds and stir to combine.
3. Place the honey and coconut oil in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for one minute and remove from heat. Stir in almond extract.
4. Pour honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir until coated.
5. Spread the granola out on a large baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring every few minutes to prevent burning.
6. Let the granola cool completely then add the dried fruits and stir to combine.
7. Store in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for about a week.
8. For parfaits layer yogurt, blueberries, and granola (then repeat) until glass jar is filled to the top.
Enjoy!!
It looks really good! The picnic blog was cute, as was the outfit! You show a lot of variety with your blog.