Cherry Apricot Almond Granola Bars

Posted on January 22, 2013 by LaurenPodolsky

Here is another fantastic granola bar recipe to add to your list. Again, using the simplicity of Granola Basics, these bars are effortless but full of delicious flavor. Chewy apricots and luscious cherries blend together beautifully, while the subtle touch of honey and jam provide just the right amount of sweet flavor.

Why settle for conventional pre-packaged granola bars when the fresh homemade option is not only easy, but much more affordable? You'll get four times the amount of product when you make your own, and the peace of mind knowing every ingredient is natural and wholesome.

Hope you enjoy!

Cherry Apricot Almond Granola Bars

makes 12 bars

Ingredients:

1 Box of Granola Basics

1 cup honey

1/4 cup all natural apricot jam

1/4 cup dried cherries

1/2 cup chopped apricots

1/2 cup chopped almonds

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Heat honey in a small glass dish in the microwave for 30 seconds. Remove and stir jam into the honey. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine Granola Basics, cherries, apricots, and almonds. Stir to combine. Fold in honey mixture until everything is completed coated.

Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with cooking spray. Evenly spread mixture into pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Cinnamon Apple Almond Granola

Posted on January 1, 2013 by LaurenPodolsky

Happy New Year NAG fans!

2012 was quite a year, and nothing short of fantastic for the growth of our little granola business. Now with the start of new beginnings, we are only more thrilled to enter into 2013 with the attitude of bigger and better. This year, we will continue to make exciting advancement and produce some great new products, while keeping our primary focus on our mission, to produce high quality, artisanal, and wholesome granola with a strong focus on local, real ingredients.

Let’s kick things off with another great granola recipe that you can make at home! Our Granola Basics line was one of our most proud accomplishments last year, and we’re elated to see what comes next with this exclusive box mix. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s available for purchase online, and we highly suggest you purchase a box to see what the hype is all about. Creating delicious granola in your kitchen is something we are so passionate about, so it was only natural that this product resulted.

You can simply make the granola as directed on the box, or for a little more, try creating your very own flavors by adding in your own mix-ins like the recipe below.

No matter what this year brings, we want to wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year!

Enjoy!

Cinnamon Apple Almond Granola

Makes 1 lb. Granola

Ingredients:

1 box Granola Basics Apple Cinnamon

2/3-cup natural applesauce

2 tbsp honey

2 cups dried apple rings, coarsely chopped

¼ cup whole roasted almonds

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

2. Pour the dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl.

3. Combine the applesauce and honey. Pour over the dry ingredients and mix well until chunks form.

4. Spread the mixture on a greased baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown, stirring at the halfway mark.

5. Transfer the granola onto a table and let the granola sit for 15-20 minutes. Store in an airtight container. Remains fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Granola Basics Now Certified with the Non-GMO Project

Posted on November 22, 2012 by LaurenPodolsky

"Everyone deserves an informed choice about whether or not to eat GMO's." - www.nongmoproect.org

In today's world of highly processed, chemical-laden food markets, the awareness, for most consumers, of genetically modified foods and ingredients that goes into them can be difficult to decipher. Now more than ever, the amount of GMO-induced foods reaches an all-time high, with over 80% of commercially processed foods to be found containing genetically modified ingredients.

Nuts About Granola prides itself in producing natural, quality, and wholesome granola. Our customers can confidently consume any of our products, knowing they are eating the freshest and finest ingredients. Being that this is our mission statement, we are proud to announce that our new Granola Basics line has now been officially registered with the Non-GMO project. Among the many other verified products stands our most recent product line, Granola Basics Box Mix, now available in three flavors, Original, Apple Cinnamon, and Maple Pecan.

This news comes at an ideal time with the holiday baking season right around the corner. If you are looking to create some delicious, unique, and homemade baked goods using the creative spin of fresh granola, rest assured that all of your holiday treats will be free of any unwanted ingredients. We want nothing but the best for ourselves, our families and of course, our customers.

Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Soup with Pumpkin Almond Butter Granola

Posted on November 6, 2012 by LaurenPodolsky

If you remember, last week I shared a granola recipe with you that brought me more joy than you can imagine. Sadly, the granola is now gone and mostly from me consuming it by the handful. I couldn't get enough of the Pumpkin Almond Butter Granola and found myself looking for ways to incorporate it into just about every meal.

It's always easy to think of ways to include granola at breakfast, heck it's a morning staple afterall. But the challenge for me comes when I attempt to position sweet crunchy clusters into a savory dish. Sweet and savory are a brilliant match, it just takes a little extra creativity to come up with the idea.

Now that it is officially soup season, I've been making more hearty and comforting recipes that compliment the season. I do love soup but I really love when a soup has character, meaning different textures and flavors. Adding granola into my soup was a perfect solution to get the best of both words, warm liquid to sip and a bit of added sweet crunch.

This pumpkin soup recipe screams fall and if you haven't had a chance to make the Pumpkin Almond Butter Granola just yet, not to worry, any NAG granola flavor will do.

Enjoy!

Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Soup with Pumpkin Almond Butter Granola

3 15 ounce cans of organic pumpkin puree
3 medium gala or golden delicious apples, cored and quartered
2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cut in large cubes
4 cups of water
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp ginger powder
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 tbs agave or maple syrup
Pumpkin Almond Butter Granola for topping

Directions:

In a large soup pot combine pumpkin, apples and sweet potatoes. Add enough water just to cover
Bring to a boil. Add salt and spices
Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender
Let the soup cool for at least 20 minutes . Puree in a blender, return to soup pot and add agave nectar or maple syrup. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes
Garnish with granola right before serving

Pumpkin Almond Butter Granola

Posted on October 30, 2012 by LaurenPodolsky

Fall and pumpkin go together more than any marriage of seasonal foods I know. Around this time of year, I find myself adding pumpkin to just about every dish I can think of. Everything from oatmeal, to soups, to smoothies and yes, even granola!

I've been holding on to this box of Granola Basics for some time with the intent of making this pumpkin themed granola recipe. The glue of this batch gives it an excellent balance of sweet and savory from the creamy pumpkin and salty almond butter. As far as add-in's, you could essentially add any dried fruit or nut you wish, but I found that pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries paired well and also added a burst of color to its slightly orange hue.

This granola is dangerously good. I say dangerous because even though it's nothing but all natural ingredients, you may have a hard time with portion control. I made this batch a few days ago and have found myself sneaking handfuls multiple times a day. Perfect on its own or even more delicious over some homemade pumpkin yogurt, however you choose to enjoy it, make sure its soon!

Ingredients:

1 box Granola Basics Box Mix Granola

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

1/4 cup almond butter

2 tbsp organic local honey

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Directions:

Lay oats and pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet and bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes or until slightly toasted.

In a small sauce pan, melt the almond butter over medium low heat. Add the pumpkin and honey and stir until smooth.

In a large bowl, place the oats, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries and pumpkin pie spice. Pour the wet mixture over the oats and stir until fully combined.

Lay the oat mixture on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 300 degrees for 35-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Yields about 2.5 cups

Chocolate Honey Granola Bars

Posted on October 16, 2012 by LaurenPodolsky

The holidays are right around the corner and we're gearing up for a busy but rewarding season. Our new Granola Basics boxed mix is starting to take flight and word is getting out on this convenient new product, just in time for the festivities.

Yesterday, Sarah was honored to be a part of the Fox 43 morning news cast, featuring Granola Basics. She went on air first thing in the morning and whipped up a batch of these delicious Chocolate Honey Granola Bars.

You can see the full segment here.

Be sure to check out all of the great specials we have going on this month, including one of our best yet! For the entire month of October, we're offering 25% off all online orders. Just head over the the NAG Facebook page to claim your coupon offer.

Be sure to pick up your own box of Granola Basics today and try these easy and delicious healthy granola bars.

Enjoy!

Chocolate Honey Granola Bars

Ingredients:

1 Granola Basics Box Mix Granola (11.625 oz.)

1 cup honey

½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chip

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Pour the Granola Basics contents into a large mixing bowl. Heat the honey in a microwave safe bowl or small sauce pan until it thins but does not boil. Whisk in the chocolate chips until melted and smooth. Pour the honey/chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.

Grease a 2oz silicone bar mold and spoon 2-3 TBS of the mixture into each mold until all 12 are evenly filled. Press the bars to compact the mixture before placing into the oven.

Bake for 15 minutes. Cool completely before unmolding.

Natural Products Expo East

Posted on September 27, 2012 by LaurenPodolsky

Another successful trade show is in the books.

Last week, Nuts About Granola traveled to Baltimore for the 28th Natural Products Expo East. We were honored to be amoung thousands of food and product vendors to showcase our new line, Granola Basics to over 21,000 attendees.

The show was held at the beautiful Baltimore Convention Center, just minutes away from Inner Harbor where two floors of the newest and trendiest organic and natural products were on display.

We were armed with samples from our latest line as well as a preview of our two newest flavors, Apple Cinnamon and Maple Pecan in the Granola Basics Box Mix.

A big thank you to everyone that came out to support us! We are so excited to share our new products with you soon.

Hawaiian Granola Bars and a GIVEAWAY

Posted on September 25, 2012 by LaurenPodolsky

It’s back-to-school time, which also means it’s back to the lunch box for many. It’s easy to fall into the habit of purchasing convenient snack-sized items to throw into your child’s bag, but why not surprise them this year by putting in a little extra effort from a tasty wholesome and homemade treat.

Jacqueline Pham, from Pham Fatale, put together these yummy bite-sized granola bars that would be perfect for any afternoon delight. Using Granola Basics, Jackie spent no time at all designing a homemade bar with a slightly tropical twist.

(Photo courtesy of Jacquelin Pham)

To see the full recipe for Jackie’s Hawaiian Granola Bars, you can check it out on her post here.

We are so thrilled to be featured on Pham Fatale and among all of Jacqueline’s mouth-watering recipes. Residing in San Francisco with her husband and baby girl. She has experience developing, testing, and photographing recipes for food manufacturing, and has had the opportunity to cook for a Nobel laureate, several Fortune 100 executives, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and even a famous Hollywood actor!

Jacqueline’s cookbook, Haute Potato will be out this December but as a special pre-order gift, we are giving away 3 copies to a few lucky NAG readers.

Simply leave a comment on this post with one of Jackie’s recipes that you would love to try and we will select 3 winners. Each winner will receive a pre-ordered copy of Haute Potato that is set to come out this December.

Contest open until Monday, October 8^th and 3 winners will be announced on Tuesday’s post.

Granola Basics: Chocolate Orange Granola

Posted on September 16, 2012 by Sarah

Try this super easy, ridiculously tasty, recipe using Granola Basics as the base.

Ingredients:

1 Granola Basics box mix (11.625 oz)

3/4c. Orange Blossom Honey (or another light variety)

1/4c cocoa powder

1/4c. orange juice

zest of one orange

1/4c. dark chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Heat and whisk together the honey, cocoa powder, orange juice and orange zest until it comes to a boil. Boil for one minute, whisking continually.

Pour the Granola Basics box mix into a mixing bowl and add the honey mixture. Stir until well combined.

Spread the combined mixture onto a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, stir and bake for 12 more minutes.

Let cool completely before adding the chocolate chips.

Enjoy!