Winter Spiced Granola

It’s that time of year again. Where Thanksgiving and it’s deliciousness has come and gone, and Christmas has not yet arrived. Where we put up Christmas trees and wrap gifts, attend hella potlucks, exchange cookies and hope to receive an invitation to an Ugly Sweater Party or two. So what do we do while we wait? We create delicious recipes for your blog friends to enjoy. Or at least that’s what I do! Because I love ya’ll, that’s why #hearteyesemoji 

Another thing I’ve been doing lately is experimenting with essential oils in my cooking as well as my beauty routine. Because of the ways in which the oils are extracted, you are able to receive the same benefits you would get from the fruit/plant/seeds themselves. In many cases, you are able to access those benefits with more ease because of the concentration of the oils, which means more benefits for you with less work. I really love the benefits I’ve received from them and wanted to share some of the recipes I’ve created with them. Not all essential oils are created equally, however, and you have to have those that are certified to be ingested! Which brings me to my next announcement!

I have the amazing opportunity to work with a great businesswoman and great friend of mine Lauren Minter and her company The Oil Mastermind. Through her business, Lauren not only provides essential oils, but also all natural products made with essential oils like room sprays, skin care, mood blends and perfumes. I have always loved fragrances and I would buy them on a regular basis. I’d always choose fragrances as my free samples from Sephora and enter the promo codes for scents whenever it was offered. But I, like many others I found out, would experience pretty bad headaches when I wore them. I decided to switch over to natural perfumes and ordered the sample perfume set from The Oil Mastermind I have to say, the perfumes are some of the best I’ve tried!! My favorite is Fearless which is the perfect not too floral, earthy with a pop of citrus scent for me. I get TONS of compliments every time I wear them. If you’ve ever wondered about adding essential oils to your routine, you should really check out what The Oil Mastermind has to offer.

Now for the recipe: For this recipe, I wanted to do something simple that was fitting for the season. Granola is one of my snack staples because of it’s versatility and crunch. Whether I’m eating it plain, on yogurt, as a streusel topping for muffins or on ice cream (yes, on ice cream), I never have any left over! One recipe makes about 6 cups of granola and that goes for a very long time. I generally make it and have a gallon bag of it and it’s the first thing guests are looking for when they come to visit. Especially my dad. In this recipe, I focus on warm flavors like ginger and cinnamon and add in butterscotch for a caramel like flavor throughout. I’ve gotten nothing but positive feedback from this recipe during tests, including a couple of people who don’t even like butterscotch! A pinch of kosher salt keeps this recipe from going too sweet for an all around balanced and delicious, crunchy bite.

Not only is this recipe super tasty though, it also packs a nutritional punch and provides many benefits to your body through ginger and cinnamon essential oils*:

• Ginger – Relieves anxiety, supports digestion, reduces anxiety, strengthens heart health and reduces inflammation

• Cinnamon – Decreases inflammation, increases circulation, fights viruses, and is even said to fight depression.

So really, what are you waiting for? Check out the recipe below and be sure to tag me in your creations using @LizeeAngel and #LizeeAngel. Every time you share, like, subscribe and comment on my site and social posts, you help to get my name out there and support this brand. Please take the time to do so! Thank you!

*Since most essential oils on the market cannot be taken internally, I only recommend using this brand of oils for my recipes. To find out how to get them below retail price, email hello@theoilmastermind.com and tell them Liz sent you!

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Winter Spiced Granola (Gluten-Free)

by Monique Manning
December 5, 2017

Nutrition Per Serving: 95 calories, 7.4g net carbs, 6g fat, 2g protein

This 95 calorie, warmly spiced granola is perfect for cozying up in the cold weather and fighting cold and flu season at the same time! Using essential oils to deliver both a punch of flavor and healthy benefits, it’s the perfect snack to satisfy your sweet and crunchy tooth.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
• 1/2 cup Chopped Pecans
• 1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts
• 1/2 cup Sliced Almonds
• 2 tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup
• 2 tablespoons Honey (Agave if vegan)
• 2 tablespoons Brown or Coconut Sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Coconut Oil, melted
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 3 drops Cinnamon Essential Oil
• 2 drops Ginger Essential Oil
• 2 tablespoons Dark Chocolate Chips
• 2 tablespoons Butterscotch Chips

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat. Do not use aluminum foil as your granola will burn. Preheat oven to 350.2. In a large bowl, combine oats and nuts. Stir with a silicon spatula to distribute ingredients evenly. If you do not have a silicon spatula, use a spoon coated with oil or non-stick spray.3. In a small bowl, combine honey/agave, maple syrup, sugar, salt and essential oils and whisk to combine. Taste for flavor and adjust salt and essential oils to your liking. The essential oils may come across strong, but some of that flavor will cook off in the oven.4. Fold wet ingredients to dry ingredients until everything is well combined and sticky.5. Empty bowl onto baking sheet and spread into a single, tight layer. You should not be able to see the bottom of your pan through the granola.6. Bake for 12 minutes, then remove from oven and stir to expose the under layer of the granola. Spread again into a single layer, but do not press together so tightly.7. Bake for another 12 minutes. You should have granola that is slightly crunchy, but may appear a little moist. This is ok because as the sugars cool, they will harden and the granola will become crunchier.8. While the granola is warm, sprinkle the chocolate and butter scotch chips, but do not stir. The heat of the granola will soften the chips, but not completely melt them.9. Once cooled, stir to combine and place in an airtight container. Serve with yogurt, ice cream or even alone as a quick and easy snack!

Details

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 24 mins Total time: 34 mins Yield: 6 cups (24, 1/4c servings)