1.20.2014

chunky monkey granola


I got sick last week. For the first time in over a year. I guess my green smoothies and excessive workouts failed me. I came down with this nasty cold, complete with a congested chest, a nose that ran like Niagra, a scratchy throat, and what seemed like a little soldier playing drums around in my noggin. What a dream those few days were. My life consisted of hot food, reruns of the Office, and Pinterest for four days straight. Seeing that I workout 5 or 6 times a week, it's become a part of me. And when I CAN'T do it, I honestly feel like a whale. Light yoga and short walks don't do for me what benching and leg presses do.


I have a long {and I mean LONG.} list of recipe ideas lingering about on my desk with only about 5 of them actually crossed out. I had big ol plans to make a dent in it this weekend, so I dragged myself out of bed to make a cake. Yes, after three days in pajamas, a runny nose, and pounding headache, I decided I'd make a cake. 'Cuz I'm sure pretty much everyone does that. I was so excited and it lifted my spirits a little! … Until I pulled it out of the oven. It sank into this gooey disaster and I kid you not, I had tears streaming down my face as I bent over the stove, fork in hand, emotionally eating half the cake straight from the pan. That was quite the sight to behold. *Sniff, snort. Sniff, snort.*


My brother loves when I make granola, so I thought I'd be that super cool sister that I am and make him a batch when my family went to church and I stayed home and watched Friends in my pjs because that dang sickness just wouldn't leave me alone. I wasn't planning on posting it, but ohmahwerrd. You guys it's amazing. It's full of chocolatey, peanut buttery, banana-y goodness, crisp and crunchy and it ranks pretty high on the scale-o-chunkage! OH YAH. I live for granola chunks. I'm not even going to tell you, because I say this every single time I make granola. But… 

It's the best. It's a universal truth that can not be ignored. 


chunky monkey granola

1 1/2 c. oats
1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 banana, mashed
1/4 c. creamy peanut butter
3 tbsp. pure maple syrup
2 tbsp. coconut oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 c. rice cereal
1/2 c. peanuts
1/2 c. banana chips

Preheat oven to 350ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and stir until evenly combined. Pour onto prepared baking sheet, spreading it into a single layer. Bake for 15-25 minutes, stirring once throughout. Let cool before transferring to an airtight container or jar. 


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11 comments:

  1. sound SO good! i love chunky monkey anything :)

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    1. Thanks so much! I love chunky monkey too- the flavors of chocolate, peanut butter, and banana together just can't be beaten!

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  2. I made some granola JUST like this last week! Your photos make me want to reach through the screen, great job!

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    1. Great minds think alike! ;) Thank you so much!

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  3. I literally just made a heap of granola before I read this post XD But seriously, this looks awesome!! Can't wait to try making it!!
    Emily Tate {Drizzled With Honey}

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    1. Hope you give it a try! Granola for the win!

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  4. Oh wow that sounds amazing, I want to make it because it sounds so good but then again I don't because I'd eat the entire batch in one go. Hope your feeling better, it sucks being ill and not being able to go the gym and work off these sweet treats we adore so much.

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    1. It's really dangerous- be warned. But you could easily halve the recipe! Less damage to make. hahaha :) Thank you!

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