Rise & Shine Granola (espresso, cocoa and date)

Normally when I make granola I keep the favours quite simple. Just standard nuts and seeds, or perhaps a mixture like cranberry / coconut.

This time, however, I wanted to try something new.

Something with a little extra ‘kick’ for those mornings when you have had to drag yourself out of bed.

Enter: Rise and Shine Granola. With the added kick of freshly ground coffee!

First – the dry ingredients…

And then the wet…

Warmed and poured over the dry mix.

 

Stirred to combine, then baked for 40 minutes.

    

Before adding the final ingredients, chopped dates and flaked almonds.

A new take on a old favourite.

I really like this granola. The coffee and cocoa were subtle, but present…

 

And actually made the milk I poured over the granola taste almost like a mocha milkshake!

While the almonds and walnuts provide that much-needed granola crunch.

 

And, being a sucker for dates, I would probably add even more next time!

  

oooh and before you store it all away, don’t forget to sample the batch…

You know….for quality assurance ;)

 

Rise & Shine Granola

• 2 cups oats
• 1 cup rolled spelt*
• 1 cup puffed rice*
• 1/2 cup pepitas
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup apple juice (made from 1tsp concentrate mixed with1/2 cup water)*
• 1 tbs freshly ground coffee
• 1 tbs cocoa powder
• 1 tbs brown sugar
• 1 tbs macadamia oil
• 2tbs agave nectar
• 100g dates, chopped
• 1/2 cup flaked almonds

1. Preheat oven to 180C.
2. Combine the oats, puffed rice, pepitas, sunflower seeds and walnuts in a large bowl.
3. In a microwave safe bowl, combine the apple juice, coffee, cocoa powder, brown sugar, oil and agave necatr. Microwave for 30 seconds, or until warm and the sugar has melted.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and stir well to combine.
5. Spread onto a lined baking tray, then bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
6. Allow to cool, then stir through the dates and flaked almonds.
7. Store in an airtight container.

What about you? Do you have a favourite granola variety?

Happy Baking:)