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.

____________

Charcuterie Board for Mom

Charcuterie Board for Mom

Charcuterie boards—a thoughtful variety of finger foods, dips and treats beautifully placed on a decorative board—what’s not to love?   This Mother’s Day, consider treating Mom to a s . . .

Read more

San Diego’s Best Family-Friendly Wineries

San Diego’s Best Family-Friendly Wineries

Wineries and vineyards provide the perfect ambiance for a relaxing outing. Many San Diego establishments have gone out of their way to create a family-friendly vibe or host events that welcome childre . . .

Read more

Flower Power Cake

Flower Power Cake

Kids will love surprising mom (or grandma) with this adorable flower cake for Mother’s Day or a birthday! Kids will need help with baking, but let them get creative when it comes to decorating. Th . . .

Read more

Homemade Granola Parfaits

Homemade Granola Parfaits

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, . . .

Read more

Spring Green Pistachio Torte

Spring Green Pistachio Torte

This Pistachio Torte is an easy green treat the kids can help make for St. Patrick’s Day or any springtime occasion — it's one of many delicious desserts featured in The Ultimate Kids Baking Boo . . .

Read more

Strawberry Nutella Pancakes

Strawberry Nutella Pancakes

Nothing expresses “love” like strawberries and chocolate! Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, a birthday or another special occasion, your family will “flip” over . . .

Read more

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake

Summer is the time to celebrate with strawberries, and what better way to serve them than in strawberry shortcake! Local mom Ramona Warner shares her recipe with us. Ingredients2 large containers o . . .

Read more

Snacking with Joy: Flower Box

Snacking with Joy: Flower Box

Looking for ways to jazz up snacktime at home? Have fun making healthy snacks with the kids. Let them get creative and design their own flowers made with fresh fruit. Have plenty of cut fruit availa . . .

Read more

6 Grab-and-Go Breakfasts for Hurried School Mornings

6 Grab-and-Go Breakfasts for Hurried School Mornings

Despite the fact that we have a solid morning routine, sometimes we get sidetracked and don’t have time to eat breakfast at home. Eating breakfast in the car isn't ideal, but it’s better than sk . . .

Read more

How to Start a Brunch Club

How to Start a Brunch Club

  Brunch has always been a popular way to celebrate Mother’s Day, bridal showers and other special springtime occasions, but brunch is also a highly anticipated social event on any regular wee . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe