Granola Basics: 2 Delicious Recipes and a Giveaway

I have been working in the granola business for a short time, but I have been in the granola eating business for many years.

It’s no big surprise that I love granola.  Part of my job requires me to eat granola on a very regular basis, so I have no trouble admitting that I enjoy some form of this treat almost every single day.  Call me biased, but I’m pretty sure most of you feel the same.

Over the years, granola has taken a few bad raps in the health industry.  What seemingly was intended to be a “healthy” treat, companies have turned this simple ingredient list into a long, ever-changing array of high fat add in’s and artificial sweeteners to take something that can be so natural to just another processed, sugary cereal.

But that is not the stance of companies like Nuts About Granola.  I can’t express this enough, that we believe in NATURAL, WHOLE and REAL foods and that should come through in just about everything you eat, including your bowl of granola.  Taste should never be compromised, nor will it, when the best ingredients are used and each batch is carefully crafted.

As good as a bag of Plain Jane is on its own, there still isn’t anything quite like fresh homemade granola.  The smell of sweet oats, honey and cinnamon baking deliciously away is enough to convince anyone. That is why NAG is so excited about our newest product, Granola Basics- the first ever box mix that allows you to make fresh granola in just 4 simple steps.  It only requires one ingredient and less than 20 minutes of your time.  How can you go wrong?

For someone who is baking-inclined like me, the directions could not be more simple.

You can also get rather creative when it comes to flavors and add-in’s, but recently, we’ve put two new fall-like flavors on the table that makes it even more convenient to have a variety.

• Apple Cinnamon
• Maple Pecan

I got a little creative in the kitchen this weekend and came up with two very delicious recipes using each of our new flavors.

I first made the granola which was no trouble at all.

For the Maple Pecan, I used maple syrup for the sweetener choice, as it just seemed right.

And for the Apple Cinnamon, my sweetener was an equal mix of applesauce and agave.  I was a little worried that the applesauce might have made the oats a bit too wet, but thankfully, it turned out beautifully and gave it even more of a sweet apple taste.

Once the granola was done, I got to work on the recipes….

Frist up, Apple Almond Granola Crisp.

Who doesn’t love a good apple crisp, especially in the fall.  I have never been one to peel my apples.  It just takes too long and I actually prefer the taste of apple skins in desserts. It only adds to the texture and leaves some good nutrients.

Once you have the apples sliced, the entire recipe comes together in no time.

The granola topping is perfection in this dessert.  Since it’s already cooked, make sure you cover the dish with foil before baking to ensure that it doesn’t burn.

The crisp will come out of the oven smelling decadent.

Top with a small scoop of french vanilla ice cream and a dusting of cinnamon and say hello to fall.

The next recipe I put together was a bit unconventional in terms of granola.

Whenever anyone thinks of granola recipes, they automatically assume a dessert right?

I can see why, but I like to defy the odds so that is where this recipe came from for Maple Pecan Granola Encrusted Chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Maple Pecan Granola Box Mix Granola, prepared
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup liquid egg whites (or 3 egg whites)
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup

Directions:

• Season chicken with salt and pepper and set aside.
• Place granola in a shallow bowl and egg whites in another.
• Dip the chicken in the egg whites and press into the granola, making sure to press firmly so the granola sticks.
• Place the chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
• Drizzle maple syrup over chicken and cover with foil.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Once you dredge the chicken into the egg whites, press firmly into the granola to make sure it sticks.  You may need to press additional granola on the top of the chicken breast once you have it placed on the baking sheet.

To add just a touch more sweetness and to really bring out the maple flavor, I added a little drizzle of maple syrup before baking.

This chicken was outstanding!  Such a great take on an ordinary chicken dinner.

I served mine on top of a beautiful fall salad equipped with beets, roasted squash, brussels sprouts and goat cheese.

I’m constantly coming up with new ways to incorporate granola into my diet but these two recipes are definitely a win and ones that I will be coming back to again this season.

The key is freshly made granola which is why the box mixes are perfect to keep on hand and not just for baking.

Giveaway:

Now, you have the chance to get your hands on one of our box mix Granola Basics before it’s even on the shelves.  Simply leave a comment on this post with one way you would use Granola Basics in a recipe.  I will select 3 winners on Friday, September 21st.

Enjoy!

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WINNERS: 

Tayla @ She’ll Be Free September 18, 2012 at 12:55 pm [edit]

Tagged as: apple crisp, chicken, Giveaway, granola, granola basics, Nuts About Granola