Chocolate Granola

yesterday i had my age old problem when i attempt to eat more veggies. at the end of the day, i had 2 1/2 servings of veggies (yay!) but only 1 serving of fruit. i get so focused on vegetables that i forget about fruit. hmmm, not sure what to do about this. maybe i should plan out my meals at the beginning of the day so i know i will get my fruits and veggies. although lets be serious, we don't always have the time for that. oh well, there is always tomorrow. eating healthy is a daily commitment. it's like golf, the un-perfectable sport. but since we eat everyday we have to continue our effort and make smart choices.

ok, so for breakfast i took inspiration from the katheatsrealfood blog. i made a pumpkin yogurt with grape nuts mixed in. here's what was in it:

1 c plain yogurt (i used fage greek yogurt)
1/2 c pureed pumpkin
1/2 c milk
1/2 banana
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

blend together in blender and pour into a bowl (i split this into 2 servings because it seemed like a lot). mix in 1/4 c grape nuts.

after breakfast i took my first stab at homemade chocolate granola. i love chocolate granola mixed in with my greek yogurt. i decided i needed to make my own. today was attempt #1. i like the results but i will continue to tweak. its not quite chocolatey enough for me yet.

before baking

Chocolate Granola

2 C oatmeal

1 C rice cereal

½ C slivered almonds

½ C shredded unsweetened coconut

½ C cocoa powder

¼ C brown rice syrup

¼ C agave nectar

2 tbs coconut oil

preheat oven to 300 degrees.

stir together first 5 ingredients (oatmeal through cocoa powder). In small saucepan heat brown rice syrup, agave, and coconut oil on low until melted and stir to combine. pour oil mixture over oat mixture and stir well until completely and evenly coated.

Spread mixture onto baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Bake at 300 for 20-30 mins. Stir ever 10 minutes for even cooking.

Let cook completely and crumble. Store in airtight container.

after baking