Choco-Espresso Study Granola with Quinoa

Finals season is upon us, so I thought I should “celebrate” by posting one of my favorite study snacks on the blog. For all of my college students readers out there, this one’s a keeper. I mean, espresso, chocolate and granola all at once??? Talk about a match made in heaven!

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No-Bake Oats, Honey, and Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

I’ve never been big on snacks. Except during exam periods of course, when they’re pretty much all that get me through most days. They give me the energy to stay focused at my desk, and cram for another round.

Homemade Granola (and a Yogurt Parfait)

Who doesn’t love granola? I’m serious, I don’t think I’ve ever met a single person who didn’t like that sweet blend of baked oats, fruits and nuts. But store-bought granola has two big flaws: first it’s incredibly expensive for what you get, and second it’s full of sugar. And that might be why everyone likes it so much. Even your organic, gluten free, paleo, farmer’s market, what-have-you granola isn’t really healthy. This post provides you with the basic ratios to make your granola, just the way you like it, without tons of sugar! It requires a bit of time to bake, but the prep time is actually close to zero. It’s also incredibly easy and so satisfying sprinkled on top of a homemade yogurt parfait or soaked in almond milk. I usually make really big batches on the weekends because I can’t help myself and have to eat it right out of the oven. Bon appétit!

Recipe barely adapted from Spoon and Saucer.

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Total time: 5 minutes (prep) 60 minutes (baking)

Ingredients for the granola: 

• 1 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/4 cup roughly chopped nuts/seeds of your choice (I use almonds, pecans, cashews, hazelnuts and pumpkin)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/8 cup olive oil (or vegetable)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup dried fruit of your choice (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix the oats, nuts, and seeds of your choice.
3. Mix the maple syrup, olive oil, salt and vanilla extract together, and toss with all the dried ingredients until they are well coated.
4. Spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the oven. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until golden brown, and stir halfway through.
5. Once fully cooked, you can add some dried fruits and let the granola cool down before you store it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

TIP: I make my morning yogurt parfait with raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and sometimes a banana, and sprinkle it with homemade granola!