Healthy Convenience: Granola

Today I made some granola. I have a basic recipe that I have altered the last couple years and I think it is just about right. The original recipe was good, but too sweet and had too much fat. I have reduced the fat and sugar by over 1/3. I imagine I will keep tinkering with it. But overall, this recipe has been a great one for topping yogurt, parfaits, and just for munching. Today's batch filled up our cereal cannister.

And with what was left over, I made up 1/2 cup snack packs of granola. A quick grab to stick in my purse for my little one if I need something to keep her belly filled. It's been added as a regular in my snack drawer. I am finding it works out wonderfully and often lasts a long time, since we aren't huge snackers, but it is great for an impromptu picnic and we are trying to fill the lunch bags "FAST".

In the past I baked for farmer's market, so I have alot of large pans. I found that making a large batch will save me alot of preparation time. (this one is tripled from the original recipe) I also make sure what I am doubling, tripling, etc. is something that will store well and something that will get eaten up. I also realize my family is human and sometimes having only "one" type of cereal is just plain boring. So I have 3 granola recipes that we enjoy, that are different in flavor and texture. I am always on the lookout for another great recipe, but I do try to keep some old favorites on hand as well.

HEALTH NOTE:

I found that I grew up with alot of store bought convenience foods and I am trying to get away from that. But I also find that I am so busy, that I often forget to make things for the day that I need them... that puts me behind and often we make food choices that aren't the best because we are HUNGRY.

I have realized that I am forgetful and that I need some convenience foods. I am however making a conscious choice to make these convenience foods more healthy. I am realizing that convenience doesn't always mean I have to sacrifice my family's health. When I make it myself, the item becomes much healthier, oftentimes. I am slowly learning to add these healthy alternatives to my baking routine around home. I am finding the effort to make big batches makes the rest of the week or month go much more smoothly.

Warmly, ~Melissa