30 min Vanilla Almond Chia Seed Granola

This granola takes easily 30 min to produce from beginning to end. And with the Vanilla Almond flavoring mixed with Chia seeds and oatmeal, your family will never ask for store bought again!

Ever since we have lived in proximity to Trader Joe’s, Brady has loved their blue box Vanilla Almond granola. And I’ve spoke about granola in the past…but it’s a never ending topic at our house. Because it is ALWAYS running out. And actually, I don’t even really ENJOY the kind that Brady likes. I feel like it’s chalky or bad after taste or something…But its a good commodity at our house. Its like the filler. If anyone is a little bit hungry, or if dad is getting breakfast– “lets get daddy’s cereal” he says.

Everyone cheers.

Like mom’s cereal is what? Not good to you?! Eye roll. Anyway, not because I care that everyone likes “Dadda’s cereal better”. (another eye roll) but more because it has too much sugar and fat for my liking and I don’t think it fills them up properly.  

So, I decided to take matters into my own hands…and so I didn’t have to go to Trader Joe’s every other day to refill our granola store.

This 30 min Vanilla Almond Chia Seed Granola is tried and true x 13. Yikes. That is a lot of granola that has been produced in our home. 

(no problem. Popsicles and granola. Nice balance)

Something about granola is you can always switch it up! Whatever nuts and or seeds in your cupboard at any given time! For a more adult like granola…if I may….one full of nuts and seeds… try Healthy Nutty Granola made with Coconut Oil. I feel like Granola is like a kitchen sink recipe. Just throw it in! This version however, is as follows.

OUR FAVORITE INGREDIENTS:

 

•    Raw Almonds
•    Chia Seeds
•    Regular oats
•    Quick cook oats
•    Coconut oil
•    Honey
•    Salt
•   Cinnamon

-As a result of using two different kinds of oats, the granola has a good texture. You can just use one however if you only have one.

 Also, I’ve been doing a lot of trial and error with the amount of coconut oil and honey/maple syrup in relation to the chunkiness of my granola. I mean, who doesn’t love a good chunk huh? That is a requirement for Jude. One of the top reasons why TJ’s is so beloved. It has some good chunks. 

From my many bakings and makings, I conclude the following tricks:

#1: Do NOT spread the granola thin. Rather spread it out thick..about 1/2 in thick…in a square on your prepared cookie sheet.

#2: Do NOT stir multiple times.  I only ‘flip’ it one time during the baking process, so that it can bake together and form those chunks. If you keep stirring it, it breaks up the chunks and toasts all those cute little oats individually. 

#3: Do NOT touch the granola! Let the finished granola cool completely after bringing it out of the oven.  Once it’s cooled, it will break apart in large chunks. 

AND before you know it, only 30 min has passed and you have delicious Vanilla Almond Chia Seed Granola for everyone to enjoy!

 

 

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