Tag Archives: granola

Granola Recipe Roundup . . . Starring Avocado Pineapple!

Posted on by
10

As promised, I’ve rounded up my recent granola recipes in honor of National Oatmeal Month.  For years, I just mindlessly bought granola at the store until I realized how insanely easy it is to make at home. Not only is it super fresh and more economical, but my favorite reasons for baking homemade granola are the creativity factor and control over the ingredients.  Try one, try them all!

homemade granola and granola bars A) Chocolate Cherry Protein Granola – This chocolate granola is so scrumptious I could eat it for dessert! Problem is, my kids and husband always have the batch polished off before lunch!

B) Smashing Pumpkin Protein Granola – Pumpkin shouldn’t be a seasonal food; I stock up on canned pumpkin in the fall so I can show my thanks to this super nutritious squash all year long.

C) Tropical Caramel Cashew Granola Bars – Coconut and cashews hugged with gooey caramel, these chewy granola bars get a protein boost with raw shelled hemp seeds.  Perfect for gym bags and lunch boxes!

D) Gingerbread Cranberry Protein Granola  – One whiff of this granola wafting from the oven will give you that warm fuzzy feeling of being at grandmother’s house and helping with the baking. Nostalgic noshing!

avocado recipe with pineapple pumpkin seeds

 

AvocadOMG! You’re going to think “oh no she didn’t,” but OH, YES I DID! I’ll stop shouting now to share the news about my recipe for Avocado Pineapple Granola, not only is it strangely delicious but also over-the-top nutritious. By substituting mashed avocado for the coconut oil I typically use in my granola recipes, I was able to significantly reduce the amount of saturated fat.  Did you know the fats found in avocados are healthy and satiating? Check out some new research on avocados and satiety that I think you’ll find . . . .full-filling!  Eating 1/2 an avocado with a meal can make you feel satisfied and reduce the urge to snack following a meal.

Avocado Pineapple Granola Recipe

  • 3 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cups raw, shelled hemp seed
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • ½ cup roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 1 large avocado (approx. 1 cup mashed)
  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 4 – 6 single-serving packets Stevia (depending on sweetness preference)
  • 4-ounce unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup dried diced pineapple

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In large bowl, toss together oats, hemp, coconut, and pumpkin seeds. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, add peeled avocado, almond milk, Stevia and applesauce. With a fork, mash together until combined and creamy.
  4. Add avocado mixture into bowl with dry ingredients; mix with spatula until completely coated. Do NOT add pineapple before cooking.
  5. Spread granola onto prepared baking sheet, pressing down slightly, and bake for approximately 1 hour. Stirring every 20 minutes, taking care not to break up all the clusters.
  6. Remove from oven, stir in dried pineapple, and let cool on pan at least 15 minutes before breaking into clusters

 

 

Christmas Cravings | Choco-Cherry Protein Granola #Recipe

Posted on by
16

jennifer fisher thefitfork.com choco cherry protein granola

Deck the halls with bowls of granola, fa-la-la fa-fa-la, la-la-la! Okay, I’ve been getting a little bit crazy with the protein granola over here. But, my family is gobbling it up almost faster than I can make it. In October, I made Smashing Pumpkin Protein Granola and in November I whipped up Gingerbread Cranberry Protein Granola and for December my special mix is Choco-Cherry Protein Granola given extra crunch with almonds and coconut.  Of course, we’ll be enjoying the healthy goodness of these three seasonal flavors all year long and I hope you will too!

jennifer fisher thefitfork.com choco cherry protein granola 1

Choco-Cherry Protein Granola is a delicious treat for the morning; serve with milk or sprinkle on top of Greek yogurt. Think beyond breakfast and enjoy this satiating protein-boost any time of the day or night. I’ve even scarfed this fit granola straight out of the container to conquer my chocolate cravings!

jennifer fisher granola sock monkey

Here’s a great healthy foodie gift for the holidays – scoop granola into a mason jar or cellophane bag and tie up with a festive ribbon.  Sure to be welcomed by friends and family; who wouldn’t literally be fulfilled by this tasteful gesture?!

Choco-Cherry Protein Granola Recipe

  • 8 ounces black cherry juice (or pomegranate juice as substitute)
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 2/3 cup chocolate or vanilla protein powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon liquid stevia concentrate
  • 1 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 1/2 cup raw almond slivers
  • 5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (GF if needed)
  • 1 cup dried cherries

 

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or Silpat.
  2. In large pot, over medium-low heat, add juice, coconut oil, cocoa powder, protein powder, salt and Stevia liquid. Whisk together until incorporated and smooth and mixture is beginning to bubble (but do not boil).
  3. Remove pot from heat and stir in coconut and almonds. Next add oats, stirring mixture until everything is evenly coated. Note: do NOT add dried cherries; they are mixed in later when granola is done baking.
  4. Spread granola onto prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake, stirring every 10 – 15 minutes, until granola is no longer sticky, approximate 35 – 40 minutes. Remove from oven and mix in dried cherries.
  5. Granola will stay fresh, stored in an airtight container, for up to 4 weeks.