Reading blogs is a bit like photoshopping images - the author can choose what to include in their post and edit out the parts they don't like. As a result, what we read about on someone's blog is most likely a romanticized version of their life.
But here's the truth: I've been having a pretty crappy summer. I work a lot of evening shifts and don't have many friends who are in town this summer, so I've been bored out of my mind during the days. Which leaves me a lot of time for my favourite hobby: playing around in the kitchen (I guess there's a bright side to every bad situation!).
So last week I decided to spend an afternoon experimenting with my favourite honey almond coconut granola recipe. My mission was to keep the same great flavour, but cut down on the fat and sugar to lighten it up. The result is a less sweet, but still satisfyingly crunchy granola that makes a perfect addition to your summer breakfasts.
Lightened Up Honey Almond Coconut Granola
Makes ~3.5 cups
3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
3 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
2 tbsp canola oil
3 tbsp honey
1.5 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Then mix the oats, almonds and coconut together in a large bowl.
In a microwavable dish, mix together the applesauce, oil, honey, and vanilla. Microwave for 15 seconds, then stir, then put it back in for another 10 seconds until it is less viscous.Then pour into the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated. Spread the mixture out evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, making sure to stir every 5 minutes or so. Keep a close eye on it after 10 minutes to make sure it doesn't burn.
Let cool and then place in an airtight container.
Nutritional information (for one 1/4 cup serving): 130 cal, 6 g fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 2 g fibre, 4 g sugar, 4 g protein, 4% DV iron
How do you keep yourself happy and busy when you have a lot of alone time?
Do you tend to prefer the light/reduced fat/less sugar or the regular versions of foods?
But here's the truth: I've been having a pretty crappy summer. I work a lot of evening shifts and don't have many friends who are in town this summer, so I've been bored out of my mind during the days. Which leaves me a lot of time for my favourite hobby: playing around in the kitchen (I guess there's a bright side to every bad situation!).
So last week I decided to spend an afternoon experimenting with my favourite honey almond coconut granola recipe. My mission was to keep the same great flavour, but cut down on the fat and sugar to lighten it up. The result is a less sweet, but still satisfyingly crunchy granola that makes a perfect addition to your summer breakfasts.
Lightened Up Honey Almond Coconut Granola
Makes ~3.5 cups
3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
3 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
2 tbsp canola oil
3 tbsp honey
1.5 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Then mix the oats, almonds and coconut together in a large bowl.
In a microwavable dish, mix together the applesauce, oil, honey, and vanilla. Microwave for 15 seconds, then stir, then put it back in for another 10 seconds until it is less viscous.Then pour into the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated. Spread the mixture out evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, making sure to stir every 5 minutes or so. Keep a close eye on it after 10 minutes to make sure it doesn't burn.
Let cool and then place in an airtight container.
Nutritional information (for one 1/4 cup serving): 130 cal, 6 g fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 2 g fibre, 4 g sugar, 4 g protein, 4% DV iron
How do you keep yourself happy and busy when you have a lot of alone time?
Do you tend to prefer the light/reduced fat/less sugar or the regular versions of foods?
Looks great! I really need to try making my own granola. It seems just so darn burnable!
ReplyDeleteI make a killer coconut granola. Love the stuff!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that your summer has been rough :( On the bright side - you do manage to make delicious food in the kitchen! Hope you get a little down time soon!
ReplyDeleteI hear ya girl. All my friends live over an hour away from me since my mom moved once I graduated high school. I need to make this!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that you've been having a crappy summer. I can sympathise with the lack of friends thing. I moved to a new place nearly a year ago and I'm still struggling to meet friends who I really click with.
ReplyDeleteBut, wow, your granola looks great :-) When do you go back to college?
I'm sorry you're having a rough time too - it can be so hard to meet new people!
DeleteI go back to school at the end of August/early September. :)
Looks tasty! I used to make my own granola a lot - I need to get back into the habit!
ReplyDeleteUsually, I try to go for the "lighter" version of foods. Although if it's to satisfy a craving for something specific, then the lighter version probably won't do it for me. For example, if I'm having a hardcore craving for real ice cream, then froyo just won't cut it in that case.
Wow what a yummy sounding mix! I don't know what kind of magical camera you use for the food pics on your blog, but EVERY recipe you post makes me SO hungry and it all looks so drool-icious! :D
ReplyDeletecoconut anything really makes me want to dive in! Great way to use those hours.
ReplyDeleteaah sorry you’re summer’s been such a bum! So’s mine, bleh - totally feel you on not having many friends nearby! BUT on the other hand this looks awesome! I love granola but if I’m not working out a lot - like right now - I really prefer the “light” versions of things haha. As long as it’s homemade-light, otherwise they tend to just be full of additives (Dannon Light n Fit anyone? lol)
ReplyDeleteawwwww hunnie I miss you so much, but I think you totally took advantage of being bored :) I did the SAME thing this weekend
ReplyDeleteThis combo together sounds awesome! I love granola, I used to hate it but I'm a convert! My summer has been pretty lame as well, I've been suffering from a migraine and sore throat for a whole two dang months now and its driving me up the wall. And a lot of my friends went travelling, but oh well! They'll be back soon enough.
ReplyDeleteOh I totally feel you, girl! A lot of my friends have traveled for the summer so my next few weeks are going to be pretty monotonous! My only saving grace is that I am going to London in August which I am SO looking forward to...especially as so many of my friends will be there! I'm glad you're finding the silver lining of your current situ...and that we get to reap the benefits ;)! Love that you lightened up this granola recipe, I bet it would be so yum with yogurt & berries!
ReplyDeleteThat is too bad you are having a lousy summer so far. In a way I can completely relate. I had planned to use this summer after graduating to completely relax and not work, but the way everything worked out I am working 10 hours a day and barely have time to do anything. Hopefully your summer will start picking up soon! This looks like a great recipe!
ReplyDeleteOoooh I love the idea of using applesauce!! I'll definitely be trying this one too! :) :) Sorry to hear you're so bored... Whenever I'm bored, I do spend a lot of time on the computer, reading blogs, finding recipes, trying them, and then changing them. Is anyone you work with cool enough to hang out with? Or how about at your local gym? I love meeting people at the gym and have made friends that way. xoxo
ReplyDeleteBoo on sucky summer...
ReplyDeleteYayyy on yummy granola :)
Hopefully things will pick up soon, sweetie :)
This sounds great! I have been looking for a new granola recipe and I will be trying this out! Last summer I felt the same way :( hang in there so sorry your feeling sad!!
ReplyDeleteOooh this looks delicious! Honey and coconut is da bomb.
ReplyDeleteThat looks really tasty. In the UK we don't really have apple sauce which is annoying :(
ReplyDeleteAww Chelsea, I am sorry your summer has been less than stellar so far! At least you have something rather special to look forward to in August :) But as far as now goes, try your best to keep you head up and do what makes you happy, in any shape or form!
ReplyDeleteOh and p.s. obviously a fabulous recipe, and I love that it's lighter!
Hey Chelsea, I've been reading your blog for some time and I love your snacks and breakfast combinations! I need some help though, I want to start eating without stressing out, and I want to know how to go about it. Also, how much was your initial weight gain after restricting? Will you eventually stop gaining or do you have to cut calories again? Please help and thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi there - thanks for reading! Learning to eat without stressing was a long process for me. It takes lots of time and determination! :) I gained about 10-15 lbs when I got healthy again, but I didn't track calories or anything. I just started eating properly for my size and activity level, and my weight reached its proper number! Hope this helps. xo
DeleteAlmonds, coconut and honey? Goodness gracious, I think I've gone to granola heaven! This looks absolutely delicious, Chelsea! I usually buy my granola, but I know your homemade version is going to be lightyears better. :-D
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this summer has been a little rough around the edges; August will be here before you know it! I do the exact same thing when I have free time--I cook and cook and cook some more. Getting "lost" in the kitchen is a pretty wonderful way to spend the afternoon, AND the best part is that something delicious always results (or, in my case, *sometimes* results).
Love ya, girl! xoxoxo
I am SO boookmarking this recipe! Thank you so much! :D
ReplyDelete