parfait

Looking for a healthier snack option for kids? Homemade granola is quick and easy to make, and more wholesome than many store-bought snacks. Bursting with flavor, this granola recipe includes oats, pecans, coconut and honey. One of my favorite ways to eat it is over yogurt and mixed with fresh fruit, which is a nutritious afterschool snack for kids or a delicious breakfast alternative.

Not all granola recipes are equal when it comes to being healthy. That’s the great thing about homemade recipes—you get to choose what ingredients to use. Be mindful of refined sugar and other additives in store-bought granola.

This recipe makes a large batch (6 cups) — enough for a week of morning parfaits!

 

Ingredients

4 cups old fashioned rolled oats

½ cup packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ cup shredded coconut

½ cup chopped pecans

1 cup coconut oil (melted, then measured) or vegetable oil

¾ cup honey

1 cup raisins or other dried fruit, optional

 

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
  2. Grease a large baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
  3. In a bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, coconut and pecans.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix together oil and honey; heat in the microwave for up to 30 seconds or until warm and mix again.
  5. Pour into oat mixture and combine until everything is wet.
  6. Pour onto lined baking sheet and spread out evenly.
  7. Bake for one hour, gently tossing granola every 15 minutes.
  8. When done, remove from oven and sprinkle with raisins, if desired.
  9. Allow to cool completely; then break apart, if necessary.
  10. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

 

For granola parfaits, sprinkle granola over a bowl of yogurt and top with fresh fruit.

 

More ideas:

  • If you like additional seasoning, try adding a dash of nutmeg or ginger to mixture (before baking).
  • Eat the granola topped with milk or sprinkled over another cereal. 
  • Use granola as a topping for desserts, waffles or pancakes. 
  • Snack on it all by itself!

 

 

This recipe and photo were published with permission from Jackie Bruchez, The Seaside Baker.

____________

Patriotic Cake Pops

Patriotic Cake Pops

Red, white and blue sprinkles make treats festive for July 4 or Memorial Day, but we’re especially excited about these patriotic cake pops, which look like a fireworks display! Thank you to local . . .

Read more

Star Spangled Soda

Star Spangled Soda

Star-Spangled Soda Doubles as a refreshing drink and a great science experiment! It’s a great addition to any cookout—Memorial Day, 4th of July or any summer celebration.IngredientsCranberry ju . . .

Read more

July Fourth Flag Cake

July Fourth Flag Cake

Here is a fantastic family recipe for a flag cake you can bring to this year's July Fourth parties.  It serves a lot of people and it's easy recipe to make. The little secrets that make this ca . . .

Read more

Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust

Fruit Pizza with Sugar Cookie Crust

  Fruit pizza is not a new concept, but this recipe features an elevated version with sweetened orange cream for the “sauce” and a delicious citrus glaze. The crust is made with Ann Clark Su . . .

Read more

21 Awesome Ways to Make and Eat S'mores

21 Awesome Ways to Make and Eat S'mores

For some people, messing with traditional s'mores is downright wrong. But if it's the taste of s'mores you crave, you're probably open to venturing outside the box (or in this case, the campfire ring) . . .

Read more

San Diego’s Best Family-Friendly Breweries

San Diego’s Best Family-Friendly Breweries

It took me six weeks after giving birth to twins to get back to a brewery. Believe me, I wanted to go sooner, but a few things got in the way (mostly two infants). We loved going to breweries before t . . .

Read more

Blue Cheese Sliders

Blue Cheese Sliders

  Celebrate Father's Day with Sensational Blue Cheese Sliders!
 Here is a delicious recipe that will keep Dad talking about your Father's Day celebration all year long.   Makes: 6 S . . .

Read more

Fruity Coconut Ice Pops

Fruity Coconut Ice Pops

Blueberries, strawberries and coconut milk make these refreshing ice pops a healthy and festive treat for Fourth of July, Memorial Day or any summer afternoon. Plus, they’re gluten and dairy-free. . . .

Read more

Summertime Watermelon Popsicles

Summertime Watermelon Popsicles

Ah, summer—time to pull out the popsicle maker and homemade popsicle recipes! Kids will love these delicious, refreshing watermelon popsicles. Ingredients 3½ cups cubed seedless watermelon 5 . . .

Read more

Tropical Mango Popsicles

Tropical Mango Popsicles

All-natural popsicles are a refreshing way to cool off on warm summer days. These mango, pineapple and coconut milk treats, combined with speckled dragon fruit and kiwi, are like art on a stick! Ma . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe