Soooo...how was your Valentine's weekend?!  I hope it was filled with lots of chocolate and things that aren't good for you!  Ours was good, Saturday during the day we were both kind of busy,  but we did manage to sneak in dinner together on Saturday night.  And Sunday we ate waffles, took naps, and then filled our bellies with pasta before calling it a night.  I know what you are thinking...we are pretty wild and crazy right?  It was kind of my perfect weekend, I have to say.  But now Monday is here and it's time to be healthy and productive and all that other grown up stuff.  Luckily I have a big batch of my almond granola made up so my breakfasts will be a no brainer and that's just one less thing I have to worry about during the week! 

I can't tell you how obsessed I am with this granola lately.  First let me state that I am almond crazed.  I love anything with almond flavoring in it.  And last week you might have seen on social media (if you follow me) I had a breakfast where I topped a grapefruit with an almond topping and yogurt.  Well, I got to thinking that I should make that almond topping into a delicious granola so I could make a huge batch so that my breakfast was covered for the week! I just sprinkle some granola over Greek yogurt and top with whatever fruit I have on hand, lately it's been all about the blood orange, and breakfast is ready in five.

It's healthier to make your own granola because you control the ingredients that go into it and you end up with a lower fat and tastier granola AND...bonus, it's cheaper too! 

Start your day off by feeding your body what it deserves this week and you will find that the rest of your day will fall into place! 

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 Cup of Old Fashioned Oats

• 3/4 Cup Slivered Almonds

• 1/8 Tsp. Salt

• 1/2 Tsp. Cinnamon

• 1/2 Cup Melted Coconut Oil

• 1/2 Cup of Maple Syrup or Honey

• 1/2 Tbsp. Vanilla Extract

• 1/2 Tbsp. Almond Extract

• 2 Tbsp. Chia Seeds

• 2 Tbsp. Flax Seeds or Ground Flax Seed

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

• Combine all ingredients into a large bowl and mix well.

• Spread evenly onto a parchment lined baking sheet.

• Bake for 35 minutes stirring every 10-15 minutes until granola is golden brown.

• Let cool completely (this is where the granola will become crunchy.)

Now that wasn't so hard was it?  

Almond granola is my new favorite addition to my daily routine and I think it will be in your family too!