Clean Recipe - Granola

Making granola at home is a very quick easy and affordable alternative to buying granola at the store.  I have been making granola at home for years! Over the years I have modified and tweaked different ingredients until....Viola!

I made my favorite version yet, it not only taste delicious, but it is also an excellent combination of ingredients that will keep your body's immune system nourished and strong during the cold and flu advisory months. (see below recipe for more info on nutrients)

Recipe

1 Cup Rolled Oats

2 Tbsp Quinoa Flakes (found in most health foods stores in the "grain" department)

2 Tbsp Pepitas 

2 Tbsp Chia Seeds

2 Tbsp Brow Rice Syrup

1 Tbsp Cranberries

2 Tsp Cinnamon

Heat oven to 350 degrees; Bake for 15 minutes turning half way through.

*Makes 4 (1/2 cup) Servings

198 Cal     5.5g Fat     32g Carbs     5.25g Pro     7g Sugar      5.25g Fiber

(nutrition per serving)

Sprinkle on top of greek yogurt and top with grapefruit, blueberries and your other favorite fruit. Enjoy!!

Why is this granola good for battling the cold and flu season? 

It is loaded with Zinc and Anti-Oxidants. Pepitas and Chia seeds are excellent sources of zinc which helps to support the immune system. Pepitas are also full of vitamin E. and Chia seeds are full of vitamin C, two main vitamins that the immune system loves! Topping the granola with grapefruit and blueberries further boost the the antioxidant level to this delicious breakfast/snack. 

Kids Valentines Day Treat

Kids Valentines Day Treat Idea- Chocolate Covered Pretzel Heart Bow and Arrow

This year at the kids school I am in charge of bringing food for the kids party in the "other" category. I wanted to think of something fun and festive that would still be savor worthy in the younger crowd. After much brain storming I came up with the idea to do these chocolate covered pretzel hearts with a bow and arrow. Hope you and your loved ones enjoy!!!! <3

Here is what you will need:

Parchment or Wax Paper

Sweethearts Candy 

White and Milk Chocolate Chips (or white and milk melting chocolate-found at craft stores)

Pretzel Minis

Pretzel Sticks

Red Food Coloring

                                                                                            

1- (optional, it helps the preztel stick to candy hearts better) With a small knife carve a hole into the top of the heart. Do this by pressing knife into candy and turning knife in a swivel motion.

2- Melt chocolate according to directions on package (I find stovetop double broiler method works best)

3-Once chocolate is melted dip pretzel sticks (bow and arrow) into chocolate until fully coated then stick one end of pretzel into carved hole in candy heart. Set the pretzel and candy heart onto parchment paper to harden. Make sure the pretzel and heart and well pressed together as this will insure a strong bond between them.

(my pretzels sticks had finger marks so I put the remaining chocolate in a bag with the corner cut off and touched up any uneven spots)

4- Allow chocolate to harden, it will take up to an hour.

5- Melt White chocolate and add drops of red food coloring until desired color is achieved.

6-Coat pretzel minis (hearts) in this mixture and lay on parchment paper to harden.

7- Once all "hearts" are coated immediately take the "bow and arrows" and place them diagonally across. You want to do this while chocolate coating on hearts is still pliable because as it hardens it will secure and ensure the bow and arrows are attached.

******This whole process will take about an hour to do. For a shorter version you can buy pretzels that are already coated (my local grocery store has raspberry yogurt covered pretzels that would work great as the hearts!) and melt chocolate to secure each piece together!!