RECIPE :: Simple Homemade Granola

     

Back-to-School Breakfast
by Kimberley

We all know we need to eat it. We all know it's good for us. Breakfast. I think it just might be the most "pinned" topic for back-to-school. Whether it is the morning routine or lack of appetite first thing, breakfast is hard to fit in once the school year starts. A great strategy is to pack breakfast in your child's bag, giving them something to snack on before the bell rings, or a healthy snack to start the day. 

I bake our own granola and cereals to ensure the highest quality food is going into my little one's tummies first thing in the morning. I have experimented with many granola recipes but I always come back to this one for its ease and simplicity. This basic granola allows you to add any extras that you want- nuts, dried fruit, flaked coconut, or seeds. Or stick with the basic recipe to accommodate for allergies. (Check out my Bake Like a Pro tip for really healthful cooking and baking!)

If the morning is rushed, pack this granola (which is great to eat dry with your fingers) for a morning snack and you know that your kids are starting their day with something filling and nutritious. To make it even better, pack a few of these adorable Lunch Notes by Eye Candy Creative Studio so that you can send a little love in their bag and brighten their day.

Simple Granola Recipe

(makes 8 servings; recipe can be doubled)

- In a large bowl, mix 4 cups whole rolled oats (not quick oats) with 1/2 cup honey. 

- Once mixed, add 2 teaspoons of cinnamon (or other spice such as ground ginger or pumpkin pie spice), and mix to combine. 

- Pour onto a well oiled large cookie sheet, spreading it out to allow for even baking. 

- Bake in a 300 degree preheated oven for 15 minutes, remove from oven and toss. 

- Bake for 15 minutes more, remove from oven, toss gently on pan, and allow to cool on pan. 

- Once cooled, granola can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. 

Bake Like a Pro Tip

So many baking and cooking recipes call for spraying pans and dishes with vegetable oil spray. It is such a convenient product that makes clean up much easier. However, if allergies or health concerns make you shy away from these products, there are some alternatives. I bought this pump spray bottle at my local kitchen shop. I have seen several bottles like it. It allows you to fill the bottle with the oil of your choice and then you can spray your pans. I use organic canola oil in this bottle for when I need to spray pans. It also cuts down on the cost significantly because oil is much more cost effective than the canned sprays.

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Guest Contributor: Kimberley Mulla

My Mom gave me my first cookbook when I was six years old. I have been baking & cooking ever since.

I specialize in artisan marshmallows & confections. I want to sell a product that I would feed my children. The ingredients are simple, often local, organic & fair trade as well.

I love making marshmallows. Every single one. It brings me so much joy to create something unique, tasty, and delightful.

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