Fruit-Filled Granola

3/4 cup raw almonds, chopped into small pieces

1/2 cup raw hazelnuts, chopped into small pieces

1/2 cup raw pecans, chopped into small pieces

1 1/2  cup old fashioned oats - I use gluten-free oats

1/8 cup flax seeds

3/4 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened 

1/2 cup buckwheat groats

1/4 cup chia seeds

1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds

3/4 cup dried cherries, chopped up

1/2 cup dried dates, chopped up

2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup rice syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1 tsp vanilla

Friends, this recipe is incredibly flexible. As long as you keep the wet/dry ratio about the same, you can sub in all sorts of seeds, nuts, and fruit. I’ve used dried blueberries, pepitas, and walnuts. I use GF oats but either work. I keep a bag of it with me when I’m out as sometimes I need a quick GF snack. If you make it I’d love to know how you like it and if you make alterations to this recipe!

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. I line my baking sheet with parchment paper. 

In a medium size bowl mix all of your liquids- maple and rice syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla. Mix all of your seeds, oats, coconut, fruit, and nuts in a large bowl. Once you have the dry ingredients well-mixed, pour the liquid mixture over it. Mix it until it is all coated and then spread it out on your lined baking sheet and gently press it down. Bake for 15 minutes, then rotate the pan for another 15-20. When it is done it should be slightly firm. Let it cool for about an hour before breaking it up and storing it in an airtight container. 

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

If ever you wanted a versatile marginally healthy delicious cookie, this is your winner, hands down.  These cookies have been a favorite since I adapted a recipe years ago, adding flax and oats and just recently chopped almonds.  Really if you make the dough you can add anything from chocolate to raisins to dried cranberries to anything you can dream up.  This past week I used a bar of chocolate that I had chopped up as I didn't have any chips and almonds which I had also chopped up.  They were divine- truly.  And don't even get me started about putting coconut milk ice cream between two of them...  

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Combine in a medium bowl:

2 cups flour

2 cups oatmeal

1/4 cup ground flax seed

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

In a large bowl, blend until smooth:

1 cup butter at room temperature

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

when smooth add: 

2 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla

mix well.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients 1/3 at a time.  Blend until mixed and add:

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (adjust to your family's liking)

I use a batter scoop (which is like a small ice cream scoop) to scoop dough onto cookie sheets.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes - depending on your oven.  I like to take them out while they still look slightly undercooked - but only a bit.  They tend to be softer that way.