Christmas Coconut Granola

coconutmacgingergranola, originally uploaded by veggiebytes.

I love a good granola filled with yummy ingredients.  To me that means lots of coconut. Some of the best granola I've had was made in Hawaii with tropical fruits and macadamia nuts. If you are looking for something to bake for family and friends as a last minute gift, granola is grand choice. It is very versatile and can be made to suit almost any taste. The granola pictured was full of coconut ribbons, candied ginger and whole macadamia nuts. It will whisk you away to the tropics on a cold winter's day!

Here's a basic granola recipe:

Grains: 3 cups rolled oats

Nuts/Seeds: 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut, 1 cup nuts (almonds, mac nuts, walnuts)

Dressing: 1/2 cup oil and 1/2 cup of brown rice syrup/maple syrup/honey

Fruit: 11/2 cups dried fruit 
(chopped pineapple, cranberries, blueberries, golden raisins, papaya, candied ginger)

Salt: Sprinkle coarse sea salt (up to 1/2 teaspoon) over the mixture before baking

Optional: flax seeds, chia seeds, coconut flakes, chocolate chips

Mix grains, nuts, and dressing in a bowl. Put mixture on baking sheet bake at 300°F for 30 minutes (stirring occasionally), cool, stir in dried fruit.  Add optional items.

Some Helpful Tips:
I like to use a mixture of coconut butter and coconut oil. It is a natural and vegan source of fat. I don't like canola oil and try not use soy-based margarine.  Also, I add the flax seeds after the granola has cooked and cooled. Cooked flax seeds basically have no Omega 3 value as heat destroys the fatty acid structure. You could process the flax seeds in a spice grinder to get more benefit from them.
This granola would be gluten-free if you buy oats labeled as gluten-free (they are processed in gluten-free facilities). You can find natural dried fruits and candied ginger without sulfites at natural food stores.
My favorite candied ginger brands are: The Ginger People and Reed's.

I like to eat my granola with unsweetened almond or hemp milk.

Have fun making granola and I recommend making double or triple as it will be a hit.  Your kids will ask why they didn't get a granola gift too.
Warm Wishes & Happy Holidays!

Cooking at Retreats

In early November,  I had the pleasure of cooking for a great group of moms at a knitting retreat in the Texas Hill Country.

All the ladies were able to sit, knit, explore the grounds, share friendly conversation and enjoy the beautiful and rustic atmosphere.  They didn't have to worry about little ones or making meals.

My friend posted some beautiful pictures about the event.  Check it out on waldorfmama's blog.
To learn more about Moriah and getting together with family and friends there, click here.

Here's what was on the menu:

Breakfast:  Handmade Cinnamon Rolls, Smoothies and Chickpea Omelettes

Lunch:  Butternut Squash Lasagna
(I even had Stuffed Butternut Squash for our gluten-free gals)
Fall Salad with Spiralized Beets, Walnuts and Blue Cheese
Vegan Cream of Broccoli & Parsnip Soup

Dinner:  Hyderbadi Biryani, Mung Dal with Cauliflower, South Indian Brussell Sprouts, and Sprouted Mung Bean Salad with Coconut

Breakfast:  Vegan Blueberry Muffins and Spinach Tofu Scramble

Some pictures are better than others.  Everyone was so ready to eat that I had barely time to compose the shots...and I was using my iPhone.

I had a wonderful time!  If you ever think of staying at Moriah with friends or family and want some great veggie meals, give me a call!  I'm already familiar with the kitchen!