Friday, May 5, 2017

Chocolate-Matcha Granola (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

Matcha-Cacao Granola with Cranberry
(Vegan & Gluten-Free) 

Being a busy Mama, I'm always scrambling in the morning and my breakfast always falls to the wayside if I don't plan. I mean I love bits of dried toast off a babies tray and all...but maybe I could have something a little more substantial, sorry kiddos but Mama wants more. So when I'm looking for a filling breakfast that will keep me chasing kids all day, I always think oats. Whether it's oatmeal, granola, etc, it always keeps me fueled for the day. I know what you're thinking, make granola? "But I could just buy it!" Listen here Susan, yes you could but I'm telling you it's sooooo easy and so much better than that store bought cardboard you've been fooling yourself with. Sorry to any Susan's out there, we're cool. I can guarantee you, this recipe is so easy you will never want to waste your time with store bought again. This recipe pairs perfectly together, it gives you that naughty chocolate edge you always crave, and sneaks in lots of vitamins and fiber to boot (BONUS!). I think it's a great starting off point when you're trying matcha for the first time too. Many people are using it these days, very trendy and all...Oooo I feel so fancy, but it's not as weird as it looks. Try it, you'll like it. (Yep, I sound like a mom right now for sure!). And finally, this recipe also pairs perfectly with any vegan milk, yogurts, smoothie bowls, and even works amazingly on your vegan ice cream ...No I'm not recommending that for breakfast but I'll look away and not tell a soul if that's how your morning is going. We've all been there, do what you gotta do! Enjoy!

Matcha-Cacao Granola with Cranberry

(Vegan & Gluten-Free) 

Ingredients

3 cups Gluten Free rolled oats 

2 cups nuts and/or seeds (I used Pumpkin & Sunflower but walnuts would be great in this and I added in 1/4 cup sesame seeds)

1/4 cup Blonde coconut sugar (Big Tree Brand was used)

2 Tablespoons melted coconut oil (Nutiva)

1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon real maple syrup

2 teaspoons organic vanilla extract

A big pinch salt

1 cup dried fruit of choose (I used cranberries)

2 1/2 teaspoons matcha powder

1/4-1/3 cup Nativas organic cacao powder (depending on how chocolaty you like it)


Options Add Ins:

Cashews
Almonds
Walnuts
Pecans
Dried Blueberries, cherries, apricots, etc
Hulled Hemp Hearts
Flax Seeds
Unprocessed Wheat Bran
Shredded Coconut (unsweetened)

Directions

Preheat oven to 250º Degrees F

In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, cacao, matcha and coconut sugar.







In a separate bowl, combine oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Pour over oat mixture and toss to coat.



Spread mixture out onto a baking sheet and bake 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.



Remove from oven and scrape mixture into large bowl. Let cool for a few minutes, then add in dried cranberries and toss to combine. Great as cereal, over yogurt, on smoothie bowls, on vegan ice cream, or on its own on the go. Keeps in an airtight container for several weeks. Enjoy!