December 2022 - Little Red Wagon Granola

Ingredients

11/2 sticks of butter (12 tablespoons) of butter at room temp.

1/1/2 cups light brown sugar

21/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon instant coffee

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (based on preference)

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup chocolate chips

3 eggs

1 cup cocoa powder

1 cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour

Instructions

Start by creaming your room-temperature butter and sugar. Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a handheld mixer. Beat until the butter/sugar mixture is light and fluffy.

Add in baking powder, salt, instant coffee, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and mix until well incorporated.

Melt chocolate in a microwave bowl. Heat for 30 seconds and stir. Repeat heating and stirring chocolate in 30-second intervals until chocolate is just melted.

Using a rubber spatula, scrape in melted chocolate into batter mixture and mix until incorporated.

Slowly add in 3 eggs in three additions separated by scraping the bowl.

Add in cocoa powder and flour and mix until just combined.

Lastly, add crushed granola and fold batter together using a rubber spatula.

Grease a 9/13 pan with butter and parchment paper and bake brownies at 350 F for 25 minutes or until the edges look baked through and the center is firmly set. A toothpick should come out clean from the edges of the pan and have a few moist crumbs in the center of the pan.

Allow the brownies to cool to room temperature.

Cut into squares and enjoy!

As the weather turns and your farmer’s market favorites disappear until next season, your morning breakfast routine might feel a bit lackluster. Craving more depth of flavor from your morning granola bowl? Switch it up with these easy superfood additions. Acai and other healthy, antioxidant-rich ingredients keep your immune system supercharged in a fun way.

For a Granola Bowl With Flair, Try Cacao

Cacao. What’s not to love about this raw, unrefined version of chocolate that’s sure to give your morning a mineral-rich start? Cacao is the perfect ingredient to liven things up for your granola bowl if you like a hearty way to start the day off right.

We recommend you start with a few spoonfuls of your favorite yogurt and a scoop of Crunchy Monkey Granola with accents of a delicious mix of dried bananas, chocolate chips, pecans, and almonds. Then sprinkle in a teaspoon or more of unrefined cacao powder, a drizzle of honey, and voila: The perfect, warming, nutty granola bowl.

For The Perfect Hint of Fruity Sweetness: The Acai Bowl

Acai berry is hard to describe if you’ve never had it before, but it’s truly delicious. It has tart notes of blackberry and even dark chocolate and is more bitter than sweet. Acai berry scores low on the glycemic index, which provides a stable morning start to your blood sugar.

Mix a premade frozen acai pack in a blender with a scoop of your favorite protein powder (vanilla or chocolate pairs well with acai). Blend in a scoop of your favorite frozen berries or a frozen banana for thickness, add in a scoop of nut butter for even more power, and blend. Sprinkle our Original Granola over your acai granola bowl for that essential crunch, and go to town!

For The Daring To Be Different, Spirulina Is The Way To Go

Spirulina is a nutrition-dense form of algae packed with minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron, and B vitamins. You may know it for the vibrant aquamarine color it brings to any dish. Yes, like the kind in the ocean, but it’s safe to eat. Many vegetarians and vegans adore spirulina as a protein source.

Start with a half to a full teaspoon of spirulina to add this inflammation fighter to your usual morning smoothie. Then, pour it out into a bowl. Add a few slices of fresh fruit and a sprinkle of seeds, top off with granola and be on your way.

Stick With Granola As Your Mainstay For Every Breakfast Adventure

When you’re feeling tired of the same old combinations, a few new ingredients can put a spin on an old favorite. A good granola is your trusty sidekick to wherever your palette may take you. Trust your gut and go with the foods you love, day after day, for fiber-packed, gut-friendly ingredients. Granola is easy, fuss-free, and pairs well with nearly any breakfast food. So go forth and conquer the day. We’ll be here, providing the same top-quality oats and an irresistible crunch, and that’s a good thing.