Jenny's New Year's Resolution (at least one of them)

Ok Everyone.....those of you who know me know that cooking is not my number one strength.  I figured with the new year I would commit to something new!  One of my new year's resolutions is to cook/bake more creatively and more often.  My goal is to cook at least 3x per week (doesn't sound like much but I figured with my busy schedule it would have to work).  I usually eat at home, but the extent of my cooking is wraps, chicken, broccoli and rice....SO BORING.  To get started with my goal I have been on the hunt for some good blogs/cookbooks/recipes to make healthy food that tastes delicious (I will always share the good recipes I find with you).  Here's a start:  One of my favorite snacks (especially after exercise) is yogurt with a bit of granola.  The problem is, I feel like most granola has a ton of sugar in it and I don't love it.  So....on my quest to cook more and find some healthy food I have found an awesome recipe for home made granola.  I found it on a blog called "ohsheglows.com" and I am hoping it will be delicious (and I won't totally mess it up).  Below is the recipe.  I will post some pictures soon and let you know how my cooking pans out.  The recipe is vegan (but you don't have to be a vegan to eat it) :) You could also make it gluten free with a few minor adjustments if you are interested.  Wish me luck!

Ingredients:

Dry:

• 2.5 cups rolled oats (regular not instant)
• 1 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup raw walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup raw sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp ground flax
• 2 tbsp sweetened coconut flakes
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt

Wet: (See note below)

• 3-4 tbsp brown rice syrup (I used 3 tbsp, but next time I will use 4 tbsp so it clumps more)
• 1 tbsp agave nectar
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp applesauce, unsweetened
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar

Add-ins:

• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup raisins
• handful pepita seeds

Directions: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the wet ingredients. Stir well. Bring to a boil and then simmer on low for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently.

In a very large mixing bowl, Mix together the dry ingredients.

Add the wet mixture (while still warm!) over top the dry mixture and stir well. It will be very thick and hard to stir, but keep at it until everything is thoroughly combined.

Spread onto a pan lined with parchment paper or a non-stick mat and bake in the oven for 45 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven every 15 minutes and give the granola a good stir to ensure even baking.

Allow to cool for 20-25 minutes on the pan before serving. The granola will stiffen up as it cools. Makes about 6 cups and will keep for 1 month in the fridge in an air-tight container.