I feel like everyone goes through phases with foods, whether it is loving it or hating it.  The good news is Liam has lost is last obsession…thank goodness, but my husband and I have been in quick the granola kick.

There is nothing wrong with a little granola obsession for a while but making sure that it is in moderation.  My husband comes up with some great ideas when it comes to mixing up flavors in food.  He wanted us to make our own granola and he came up with little variations to avoid getting bored with the same kinds of granola.  He came up with some delicious concoctions I have to share these great granola ideas with.

With fall in sight Low Fat Apple Raisin Granola


Ingredients-
• 3 cups dehydrated buckwheat chunks
• 1 cup raisins
• ½ cup pumpkin seeds
• 2 tsps. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ginger powder
• Pinch of salt
• ¾ cup agave
• 1 apple, chopped and diced
• 1 tbsp. almond butter

Instructions-
• Preheat oven to 250 degree Fahrenheit
• In a large bowl mix the buckwheat chunks, raisins, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, ginger powder, and salt.
• In another bowl mix the agave, apple, and almond butter together.  I have used a blender to thoroughly mix together.  Pour over the dry mixture and toss to coat and combine.
• Spread on a lined baking sheet and bake for 1 hour. Cool and store in an air tight container.  This is my favorite granola we have made :)

Vanilla Almond Goji Berry Granola

Ingredients-
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds
• 1/3 cup sweetened coconut flakes
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup grape-seed oil
• 1/3 cup agave
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup goji berries

Instructions-
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit
• Mix the oats, almonds, coconut flakes, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl then pour on a lined baking sheet.
• In a saucepan mix the grape-seed oil, agave, vanilla extract, and light brown sugar on low heat until a simmer then remove from the heat.  Pour over the oat mixture and toss to coat.
• Bake for 20 minutes until it is golden brown, cool and break into chunks and mix with the goji berries.  Enjoy over yogurt, milk, or even ice cream if you are feeling ambitions.

When you don’t feel like a sweet granola, my husband loves his new creation: Salty Olive Granola-


Ingredients-
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 ½ cup pecan halves, pulverized
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. ground cardamom
• ½ tsp. ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 cup raisins

Instructions-
• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit
• In a large mixing bowl combine the oats, pecans, coconut, and pumpkin seeds.  Add the maple syrup, sugar, olive oil, salt, cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon and mix until everything is coated.
• Spread the mixture on a lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, stir and bake for another 15 minutes.  Let cool and add the raisins and mix together.  Enjoy your salty granola with a twist.

If you have any unique and tasty granola recipes I am sure my husband would be excited to give them a try! :)

Go Green and Stay Keen,

Julie