Friday, February 8, 2013
Easy Basic Granola
I adore a good homemade granola! It’s surprisingly easy to make and once you’ve done it yourself, you’ll never go back to the store bought variety!
You probably noticed a lack of posting around here lately… So here’s the deal – Our first round of IVF was a big fat FAIL. I was sporatic in my posting because, quite frankly, I just needed a little time to PROCESS. After a week of devastation, prayer, and asking God what’s up… we’ve pulled ourself up by our bootstraps and are trudging right back along. I am fully confident that God has a plan in all of this and one day we will look back and this period of trial will seem like a “blip” in the grand scheme of things!
I started seeing an acupuncturist a few weeks ago at the request of my IVF doctor (apparently great for blood circulation & stress relief). The acupuncturist wants me to temporarily eliminate a few things from my diet to prep my body for our next round of IVF:
- Coffee / Caffeine (Substitute: Caffeine-Free Herbal Teas)
- Cow’s Milk (Substitute: Almond Milk)
- Gluten
T.O.R.T.U.R.E. (especially the coffee part! I had a killer 5-day withdrawl headache… GRRR)
Anyhow, I don’t have an allergy to any of these things, but the theory is that all of our organs work together and if one system is working at less than 100%, it will effect the other surrounding organs/systems negatively. So the reason for eliminating these things is because they can be hard for our bodies to digest & if our digestion system is struggling, then so will be our liver & kidneys (both are linked to uterine and egg health – or so I’m told). 😉
What does this have to do with this granola? Well I needed some sort of gluten-free snack for around the house to help ease the torture! And I figured a heaping batch of chocolate filled granola would do just the trick! However, after researching, I’ve seen that there is a controversy as to weather oats are actually gluten free or not. I mean, in their natural form, they are in fact gluten free. The problem is that where they are manufactured is oftentimes in the same facility as wheat and other gluten filled products. So there can be trace amounts of gluten in the packaging etc…
So for those with Celiac disease, I would be sure to purchase specified gluten-free oats! But, for my purposes, a little trace gluten from the regular oats won’t do any harm! 😉
This recipe is an awesome basic granola to keep in your repertoire! It’s perfect as a base for adding in all of your favorite mix-ins. I’m a chocolate lover so, naturally, I went with mini chocolate chips, m&m’s, and mini Rolos.
MAGICAL.
Easy Basic Granola
Yield: 8 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
Total Time: 40-55 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Basic Granola:
3/4 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
2 cups sliced almonds
2 cups sweetened shredded coconutMix-Ins:
Mini chocolate chips
M&M's
Mini Rolo's
Raisins and/or Chocolate Covered Raisins
Sunflower Seeds
Craisins or other dried fruitsDirections:
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line two 13 x 18 baking sheets with Silpat mats (or parchment paper). Heat coconut oil in microwave safe bowl to liquid form (20-30 seconds). Add the honey and vanilla extract and whisk until well combined.
In a separate large bowl: add the oats, almonds, and coconut. Gently toss until combined. Next, pour the coconut oil & honey mixture over the dry ingredients and toss until all the oats are evenly coated. Divide mixture between the 2 prepared sheet pans and spread into an even layer. Bake for 30-45 minutes (stirring often) until the mixture reaches a nice golden color. Remove from oven and allow to cool (stirring occasionally as it cools so it doesn't clump into one big sheet). Once cool add your desired mix-ins and store in an airtight container.
Adapted from: Ina Garten
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Maureen — February 8, 2013 @ 10:58 am
Great recipe! Sorry your first round didn’t work out. My fingers are crossed that the changes you are making will help. 🙂
carrian — February 8, 2013 @ 11:30 am
I think we sholud go on a another trip and chow on this while we chat. Yes?
Jessica — February 8, 2013 @ 12:36 pm
I have been thinking of you all week and your spirit though all of this is inspiring! I will be sending all kinds of good baby thoughts this month!!
Also, while we are on the subject…Granola with ROLOS??? Seriously?? I somehow love you just a tiny bit more now. 😉
Alaina @ Fabtastic Eats — February 8, 2013 @ 12:39 pm
Im so sorry the first round didn’t work out..I can’t imagine how heartbreaking it must be. It’s so amazing how positive you are! Positive thoughts and prayers going your way!
P.s. I love this granola!!
Jackie — February 8, 2013 @ 12:48 pm
Love and prayers to you, strong lady. I’m not sure if this helps, but I do know for certain that people who struggle to get their babies just make better parents. So you, beautiful lady, are going to be the best mom in the entire world. Your kids are going to agree, I am sure of it!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen — February 8, 2013 @ 1:39 pm
I love seeing all those Rolos in there 🙂 mMMmMMMM
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen replied: — February 8th, 2013 @ 1:40 pm
Totally hit enter too soon dang phone. Anyway- besides a great granola I’m sorry about the first round. That is frustrating.
Victoria — February 8, 2013 @ 1:44 pm
That looks like the best granola ever!!!
I’m a huge fan of homemade granola. Unfortunately, I haven’t made it myself. A friend of mine makes it and I LOVE hers….I need to get her to show me how she does it.
In the meantime, I should give yours a try for something to snack on!
I can’t imagine what you must be going through! Know that we’ll still be here waiting to hear whatever news you have along the way! I can at least speak for myself…I love your recipes but through reading your posts I’ve come to care about YOU too. 🙂
Kim (Soliloquy Of Food & Such) — February 8, 2013 @ 2:20 pm
This looks yummy, and should help with said T.O.R.T.U.R.E. Good luck, you can DO it!
LizA — February 8, 2013 @ 6:16 pm
Granola — better than bell bottomed pants! Viva the 70’s!
OK, there’s a thought that diets low in fat are a leading cause of infertility, and this goes for low fat dairy products. Could you ask that Acupuncture Dr. about this? You’re probably in the right age group most effected. We (as a whole) went through a stupid phase of eliminating all fats, substituting lots and lots of sugar and manufactured chemicals in its’ place. I hope for you that The Mr. this is just a temporary moment in time…….
Jesse — February 8, 2013 @ 6:32 pm
I love reading your blog and trying out your awesome recipes! I had to do IVF three times – one fail, one success and a miscarriage and now a successful pregnancy. Keep you head up and try to stay positive. It is so hard and my heart aches when I see people have a similar journey to the one I’ve had. Just know there is light at the end of the tunnel and God will lay out the right plan for you. I will keep you and your husband in my prayers in the meantime 😉
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. — February 9, 2013 @ 2:42 am
The granola looks so yummy! I think your attitude about this period of your life is so admirable and I’m hoping for the best for you!
Rachel — February 9, 2013 @ 7:33 pm
Tina-
Prayers always with you and your husband 🙂
Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking — February 10, 2013 @ 11:55 am
I am so sorry the first round did not go well. Your attitude is just amazing. Caffiene withdrawl suuuuucks! I think that this granola can give anybody the picke me up they need to keep moving forward.
Bree {Skinny Mommy} — February 10, 2013 @ 7:04 pm
I have never made my own granola before, but this makes me want to-Yum! Hope everything goes well for you. I love acupuncture and hope its your cure all! 🙂
samantha — February 10, 2013 @ 9:25 pm
I wondered if you had any news on that front. So sorry to hear that it wasn’t good news. 🙁 hoping the next round is the miracle you are waiting for!
Kristi @ My San Francisco Kitchen — February 11, 2013 @ 1:17 am
MMM I love homemade granola! Great recipe 🙂
shellyjaronsky — February 11, 2013 @ 9:37 am
Granola with Rolos? Oh yes!
Jaren — February 11, 2013 @ 12:09 pm
This looks so yummy! I’ll pray for you guys and just know that sharing your story/struggle is so inspirational for many.
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking — February 11, 2013 @ 2:52 pm
Thank you for sharing this great recipe, Tina. I’m sorry to hear your first round wasn’t successful, but hoping these changes will bring positive results next time.
Angela @ AnotherBitePlease — February 12, 2013 @ 8:39 am
saying a prayer for you…i would need to take a break too and process and think…smiles for you coming back with a nice happy bowl of granola & chocolate 🙂
Nikki @Pennies on a Platter — February 13, 2013 @ 5:11 pm
I have no idea how I didn’t read this until now. So sorry your first round wasn’t successful. Love your attitude and inspiration through this all (although I’m sure you’re struggling with the why’s, what’s and how’s?). Continuously praying for you and Mike, for never-ending strength, wisdom and patience! xoxo
(And, yes, the granola does sound really snack-a-licious!) 😉
Megan {Country Cleaver} — February 13, 2013 @ 11:07 pm
Big hugs to you and M and I’m crossing my fingers so hard for positive results this time around. We’re all rooting for you guys. 🙂 XOXO And if you have to eliminate so many things – I’m very glad this isn’t one of them. I’d happily give up some of these things if I got to devour hand fuls of this delish granola! Good luck doll!
claire @ the realistic nutritionist — February 14, 2013 @ 11:35 am
I’m one of those people who hates granola. But this I could eat. And I’m crossing my fingers for you!
Baking Serendipity — February 14, 2013 @ 9:29 pm
How have I been missing these mini Rolos all my life!?! Love them in granola. And, lifting up prayers for you.
Katie @ Blonde Ambition — February 15, 2013 @ 7:32 pm
I love that you added M&Ms and mini Rolos… that’s my kinda granola 🙂
Lots of positive thoughts comin’ your way for this next round! My favorite gluten free snacks are baked chickpeas, hummus & veggies (or gluten free chips), and lots of guacamole 😉
Donna @ The Slow Roasted Italian — February 20, 2013 @ 11:13 am
My sister in law struggled with IVF. It was a rough road. It took 4 procedures. By the last procedure they really had given up hope. God apparently had other plans, they have a perfect 6 month old daughter now. I pray that your road is filled with hope and that you have good news very soon.
BTW, I love the granola.
Christie — March 3, 2013 @ 3:59 pm
Prayers to you! God is good and he will bring you through this. His timing and answers aren’t always the same as ours, but in his graciousness He continues to give us beautiful and wonderful gifts.
We struggled for years with infertility and have two precious angel babies waiting for us in heaven. After our last failed treatment we decided that God had shut the door on another baby and that we would continue trying naturally but ultimately accepted that God had created our family in a way that was different than what we had planned and we would embrace it no matter what! I decided to do a strict Paleo diet (no gluten, corn, dairy, sugar, legumes, rice), see an accupuncturist, and add some natural and herbal “remedies” (some stuff from my accupuncturist as well as Evening Primrose Oil capsules and using PreSeed). We were shocked and blown away when I became pregnant on my own and even more broken by God’s goodness when we saw a sweet heart beat a few weeks later. All that to say I just want to encourage you in this diet and I pray that it naturally helps you in this crazy and painful road of infertility. It is hard work, but God is a God of healing and miracles and He can and does use any and all circumstances for His glory!
Best of luck!