apple cinnamon raisin granola

On Thursday, my family and I are driving down to Cape Town, South Africa to meet my grandparents who we haven't seen in a YEAR! I'm SO excited! I think the 17 hour drive through the boring, hot dessert will somehow be worth it. I mean, I get to look forward to the beautiful ocean, time with family, insane shopping, an overabundance of seafood and other yummy stuff, time away from my crazy hectic life {2 weeks off of school? Umm, yes please.}, AAAAAAND McDonald's! I never ever ever ever ever thought I would crave that crap. Ever.

 

My iPod's little earphone thingy doesn't work anymore, so I won't be able to listen to music on the way there which totally stinks, man. My grandparents are bringing a new one with them though, and OHMYGOSH I'm so excited. Instagram? I think yes. I've also been having to run without music for the last two months. Seriously, do you know how hard that is? Running without music for me, is like… running without running shoes. It just does not. work. However, I think I've turned into my own running playlist if you know what I mean… Gotta motivate myself somehow!

Anyways, since we're going to be laying around on the beach, reading, and sipping ice cold coke zeroes, that means I'll be in bikini. My poor little tummy hasn't seen the light of day in a year and a half. Look away, Cape Town! I don't want to blind you with my neon whiteness! Sadly, blondies and layer cakes aren't really the best pre-beach foods to be eating. {dude, I wish.} I thought I'd whip up some granola for a tasty, waist-happy breakfast! 

Apple Cinnamon Raisin Granola

3 c. oats

1/2 c. dark brown sugar

3 tbsp. olive oil

1/4 c. honey

1 tbsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

3 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 c. diced apples {about 2 small apples, 1 large}

3/4 c. raisins

Preheat oven to 350ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, olive oil, and honey. Add in the spices, vanilla, and apples. Stir until combined. Pour granola onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until just browned, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent burning. Once the granola is done baking, add the raisins. Cool slightly before moving to an airtight container to store. 

P.S. After we get back from Cape Town, we'll be spending time with my grandparents in our town and also traveling a little around Namibia. I'll do my best to sneak in a recipe or two, but just a heads up, I won't be back to my normal posting for a few weeks at least. I can't wait to come back and share some pictures of the trip with you all :)