Crunchy Quinoa Granola
Posted: December 26, 2012 Filed under: Entertaining, Food, Gifts, Recipe | Tags: agave nectar, breakfast, cocoa nibs, delicious, easy recipe, Food, gluten free, goji berries, granola, healthy-living, Joy the Baker, oats, organic, paprika, quinoa, smoked salt, smokey paprika, super food, vegan, vegetarian 1 CommentI went a little granola crazy this weekend. The hubs and I decided to do snacks and foodie items for Christmas this year, so I made two batches of granola. It went fast.

Wholesome Crunchy Gift Giving
The first was adapted from this recipe by Joy the Baker. I also got the mason jar idea from her. Genius.
Not gonna lie, I wasn’t sure about the goji berries, but they were awesome!
The second was something I sort of made up on the fly because I was running out of oats. And it was absolutely amazing. It was also super festive because I used red quinoa, cherries and pistachios. Did I mention that it was delicious?

Totally festive, crunchy, protein packed granola. No big deal.
This is a super savory granola, but if you want to sweeten it up, feel free to add more agave nectar. I don’t think it needs it…
The quinoa and cocoa nibs give this an awesome crunch and the coconut oil gives a super savory, rich flavor. I think this is my new favorite granola!
Look at this recipe as more of a guideline than something set in stone.
Crunchy Quinoa Granola
Ingredients
4 cups rolled oats.
2 cups red quinoa, uncooked–be sure to rinse and drain it!
3/4 cup sunflower seeds
3/4 cup cocoa nibs
1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut-I like the flakes because it adds some awesome texture
1 cup pistachios, coarsely chopped (I chopped mine a little too much, you’ll want big chunks for that beautiful green color!)
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 pinch smoked salt
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup agave nectar
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 1/2 cups dried cherries
What to do:
Preheat oven to 325.
Line two baking pans with parchment paper.
Combine all dry ingredients except the cherries in a large bowl, give it a good toss to make sure it’s well mixed.
Heat coconut oil and agave nectar in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until combined.
Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
Add to dry ingredients and mix well, ensuring the mixture is well coated.
Pour granola onto baking sheets, making sure to spread evenly.
Place in oven and bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown, pulling out twice to toss mixture (so it doesn’t burn).
Let cool completely and add dried cherries. Granola will last several weeks in an airtight container. Serve over milk, yogurt or by the handful.
Enjoy!
Happy Wednesday!
Roasted Chickpeas
Posted: May 17, 2012 Filed under: Entertaining, Food, Recipe, Uncategorized | Tags: baked chickpeas, chipotle olive oil, crushed red pepper, delicious snack, dinner, easy recipe, entertaining, Food, food obsession, fun food, garbanzo beans, garlic, healthy snacks, one bowl recipe, party food, quick snacks, real food, roasted chickpeas, smoked salt, Smoky Paprika, snacks, tsp garlic powder, vegan, vegetarian Leave a commentMy friends, we are onto another food obsession. Chickpeas. Garbanzos. Whatever you like to call them, they are delicious.
Now, don’t get me wrong, these tasty little beans have always held a special place in my heart. Hummus? I love you. Salads? Not the same without this little extra. Smashed up with fresh herbs and some spices? Instant sandwich. I’m not gonna lie, sometimes I will just eat them plain, too.
But a couple of weeks ago, I decided to try something that has been on my cooking to-do list for a while. And I am so glad I did.
Sadly, I didn’t take any photos…because I was so gosh-darn hungry that I forgot…and because, well, I think everyone knows what a chickpea looks like.
I also may have forgotten to change the temperature on my oven and inadvertantly set off my smoke alarm… the world will never know.
Anyway, this is a super simple and quick recipe that can be adjusted according to your tastes. Per usual, experiment with your flavors! If you don’t like spicy, rosemary and garlic would be great, or how about curry?! Also, these aren’t exact measurements, so adjust accordingly. This is a super easy and delicious snack, especially if you’re having unexpected company or need another finger food!
Roasted Chickpeas: adapted from various recipes
2 (15 oz) Cans Chickpeas
About 2 tbsp. olive oil-I used a chipotle infused oil for a little extra flavor
A few good cranks of black pepper
A good sprinkling of sea salt (we have an awesome hickory smoked black salt that is to die for!)
2 or 3 tsp smoked paprika, obviously.
2 tsp. garlic powder
a good sprinkling of crushed red pepper
a good sprinkling of parsley
And if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch or two of chili powder
What to do:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Rinse, drain and pat dry chickpeas.
Combine all other ingredients in a large bowl.
Toss in chickpeas until evenly coated.
Transfer to baking sheet and bake for about 25-30 minutes, tossing two or three times while baking.
When finished, chickpeas will be a golden brown and have a crispy outside-the inside will still be a bit soft.
Let cool slightly and enjoy!
Note: If your oven tends to run hot, as mine does, set at 350 and adjust cook time accordingly.