I’m often annoyed by the whole “kid food” concept (what IS kid food supposed to be, anyway?). “Kid Food” is usually packaged, processed, loaded with sugar and food dyes and wholly inappropriate for anyone to consume, let alone our children. BUT, it sure makes a good headline, doesn’t it?
Now that our winter schedules are in full swing, I’m constantly shuttling kids to after school programs, ballet and musical theatre classes, playdates (we’re SEPTA’s best customers)… it’s endless. And the late afternoon time frame often makes for tired, peckish kids. So, I always have a little snack on hand. But, there are only so many clementines I can stash in my pockets and the kids get tired of them pretty quickly. SO, what’s a parent to do? Whip up some homemade granola! The best part about this recipe is how versatile it is: have a nut allergy? Stick with seeds! Don’t like coconut? Leave it out! Want to keep it low in sugar? Halve the honey! Eat it with milk as cereal, sprinkled over greek yogurt, or just by the handful. No matter your preference, I promise that once you try it, this recipe will be a staple in your house before you know it.
Ingredients
3-4 c whole rolled oats (we like Bob’s Red Mill Organic)
1 c chopped or slivered almonds
1 c cashews
1 c sunflower seeds
1/2 c pumpkin seeds
1/2 c unsweetened coconut
1/4 c chia seeds
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 c honey
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp allspice
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
Parchment paper
You can also include dried cranberries, raisins, or any other combination of your favorite nuts and seeds than what is listed above. The sky is the limit!
Directions
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, mix together all dry ingredients. In saucepan, melt the butter, add the honey and, once that’s incorporated, add the vanilla extract. Pour the butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix together with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Spread mixture on a parchment paper covered cookie sheet and bake for 75 minutes. Allow the granola to cool completely before breaking it up to store in a large jar or sealed storage container.
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Mollie Michel is a South Philly resident and a Philadelphia public school parent. A recovering non-profit professional, Mollie is also an experienced birth doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, and the mom of two awesome girls and a sweet pit bull named Princess Cleopatra. In her spare time, she is usually trying to figure out how Pinterest works, training for a(nother) half-marathon with her dog at her side, or simply trying to keep up with her increasingly wily daughters.