Recipes!!

Hello lovebugs,

I LOVE to snack. Dare I say, it's my favorite pasttime (after karaoke, of course). Its like I always have to be chewing. Shameful, really... Anyway, some time ago, I was inspired by my favorite doctor EVER, Mehmet Oz (I love that guy. He's hot, super smart and knows his stuff about health). As part of a fitness challenge, he gave some tips for success. One of those tips was to strip your cupboards of all unhealthy food and snack items. That will reduce temptation greatly. That stuck with me since I heard it. Now, because I live with people who have no intention of putting away the bad foods, and would likely kill me and sell my parts if I tried, I came up with a better solution. I stock my kitchen doubly with healthy snacks. That being said (I talk too much), I have a recipe for you guys to try out.

Yummy granola

Ingredients:
3 cups thick whole grain oats (uncooked, I use Silver Palate brand)
1 cup nuts of your choice ( I like almonds, sunflower seeds, cashews & pecans)
1 cup dried fruit of your choice (I like cranberries. You can also use apricots, papaya, raisins, etc.)
1 tbsp vanilla
1 tbsp cinnamon (depending on how much you like cinnamon, you could cut that measurement in half)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup packed brown sugar (as a healthier option, you can cut this measurement in half. And I would recommend this if you want to eat the granola as cereal. 1/3 cup of sugar washed into your milk? No bueno)
1 cup pure maple syrup (instead of syrup, I use a mix of honey and agave nectar. You can also cut that down to 3/4 cup)

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Mix ingredients together in a large bowl.
3. Transfer onto a large baking sheet sprayed with non-stick butter flavored spray.
4. Bake for 35-45 min, stirring once halfway through cooking (I wouldn't leave it in for more than 40. 35 should do it).
5. Let sit and cool completely on tray.
6. Store in airtight jars or containers.



Warning: Makes lots of granola





Eat it as a snack, pour it on top of some yogurt. Eat it as cereal. Whenever youre having a craving, go for the  healthier option.

Here's to a life full of healthier options!

Love ya,

Lyndsey