Refined Sugar Free Cinnamon Granola

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What’s with all the sweets lately, Devon?

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I don’t know. Can we blame it on the holidays? I want to blame it on the holidays. The funny thing is, about a month ago I gave up refined sugar. You know like added white sugar in things. But I allow myself a weekly cheat day and some specific food items (I’m looking at you, peanut butter) have been granted access to my belly. So I guess I didn’t really give up refined sugar, I more or less just cut back, but whatever.

This is one of those “I’m eating less sugar” recipes. Ryan was participating in this with me for like a week, but during that week I decided I needed to find a substitute for the cinnamon cereal he loves so much. Now, of course this doesn’t have no sugar, because pure maple syrup is still sugar, but it does have less sugar and according to some nutritionists* pure maple syrup is one of the best when it comes to sugary options.

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When I was little my mom used to spread light cream cheese over cinnamon graham crackers and tell me it was frosting. I was none the wiser, and it was cream cheese and I always loved this snack. After I whipped up this oh-so-easy, 4-ingredient granola, I took it to work in a big ole’ jar to keep at my desk. I poured some of that cinnamony, oaty, almondy goodness over a plain Greek yogurt (no sugar) and it tasted just like that favorite childhood snack. I was in nostalgic heaven.

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But that’s not the only way to enjoy this fifteen minute recipe. Like I said, I whip up a batch and stick it in a jar to use throughout the week. It’s great with yogurt, milk or even just by the handful. And I know Christmas is tomorrow, BUT if you are looking for a last minute holiday gift, pour this granola in a jar, tie a ribbon or some twine on it, and ta-da! A last minute gift fit for anyone on your list.

Enjoy the holiday, everyone!

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Refined Sugar Free Cinnamon Granola
Author: 
Serves: 2
 
Ingredients
  • 1 cup oats
  • ½ cup chopped almonds
  • 1 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Place all the ingredients in a bowl and stir until just combine.
  3. Lay out into a flat layer on a parchment-covered baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes, stirring once half way through.
  5. Let cool then serve or store in a mason jar.

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*I’m not sure who and I’m aware this will not hold up in court.

CHOCOLATE COVERED BANANA SMOOTHIE

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I spent some time this weekend thinking about what separates good days from bad days. It all started with a lost wallet (#8 on my top ten list of things you need to know about me to understand my posts, was I right or was I right?).

It’s a little bit of a long story, but basically I carry a wristlet that tends to fall down between the chair and door of my car. Therefore, open the door and poof, it’s gone. I searched for an hour, gave up hope then pulled a quick stunt driver U-turn (I wish) when I remembered my short little arms couldn’t reach the gate key pad at my friend’s apartment, meaning I had to open the door. I pulled in and there it was, just laying on the ground.

There were three onlookers waiting for a cab, two girls and one guy all my age. They hadn’t even seen it, but either way I was so happy they didn’t swipe it, as many people would have. We jumped up and down in celebration. I was hugging three people I had never met and their excitement for the grace I’d received after my own stupid mistake, made my day.

All of my best days are because of the people who make them great. Good things happen to good people, yes, but they also happen by good people.

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Now before this turns into something entirely sappy and pathetic, let’s smoothly transition into talking about food, more specifically, this amazing Chocolate Covered Banana Smoothie with Peanut Butter and Coffee.

All that stuff I said about making good days for yourself and other people? Start here with this creamy, smooth and flavor-packed smoothie. I can’t take full credit for this creation, I first tried it at d’lish, a “healthy alternative to fast food” drive-thru in the Phoenix area. It’s called the Breakfast Buzz™ and it blew my hungover socks off.

Banana, peanut butter, chocolate and here’s the kicker: espresso. Oh. My. Goodness. Needless to say, I spent the next week trying to recreate this wonderful gift to hungover graduates everywhere and I’ve figured out the perfect proportions.

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Chocolate Covered Banana Smoothie
Author: 
 
A healthy and flavorful breakfast smoothie of blended frozen banana, creamy peanut butter, chocolate and coffee.
Ingredients
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 6 oz container plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup milk of choice
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
  • Ice cubes
Instructions
  1. Place the frozen banana (cut into small pieces before freezing), yogurt, milk, peanut butter, cocoa powder and coffee. Blend until smooth.
  2. Add ice cubes one at a time until you reach the desired thickness (I use three large ice cubes).

This thing has got the power to kick your hangover or just will you out of bed to your stagnant desk chair.  Plus it tastes like a chocolate milkshake with an extra added bonus of all the good things in this world: coffee and peanut butter. Slurp away my friends, slurp away.

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