Pre-workout Breakfast

Green Smoothie

Nature's Path Flax Plus with Homemade Granola and Unsweetened Almond Milk

Fresh strawberries and grapes 

Banana & Peanut Butter toast in the background 

Homemade Cranberry Granola Bars

After reading the new issue of Runner's Magazine, I came across the fuel section, which highlighted 4 recipes for homemade granola bars. I've been wanting to make my own for a while and therefore I chose to make the simplest recipe.

These bars have only four basic ingredients (dried cranberries, roasted nuts, dates, and unsweetened shredded coconut). I used a variety of nuts since I love a mix. I used what I had on hand in my pantry---walnuts, almonds, pecans, and toasted pumpkin seeds. 

About 1 cup of each basic ingredient and pulse in a food processor. Next, add one or two tablespoons of water to the mixture and pulse again. Transfer to a baking dish. Press with the back of a spoon to flatten and refrigerate for up to an hour. 

Makes 16 Bars. 

Homemade Granola

Hmmmm....I thought.   What can I snack on other than potato chips (my first love)?  GRANOLA!  Here is the recipe that I used.  I modified the recipe to make it vegan friendly.  

Ingredients (Adapted from here)

• 2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
• 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ flax seeds
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter Earth Balance Margarine
• 2/3 cup honey agave
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots raisins
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter (vegan margarine)  an 8 by 12-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.

Toss the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the flax seeds.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.

Place the margarine, agave, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the raisins and cranberries and stir well.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature.

The granola turned out great (after 3 attempts).   They make great gifts too.  I made these for a few friends who were traveling to London.  Apparently, the granola was gone before they arrived:)