Month: December 2024

We hope this joyous and relaxing holiday season has recharged you.  Every year brings new adventures and many possibilities and opportunities.  As one year winds down and the New Year approaches, I encourage you to take time to prioritize cultivating joy in your day. 

Incorporating little things, like a warm cup of your favorite tea or a fun playlist, can bring life into the daily routine and make it a great day ahead! 

I love to bake and enjoy sharing our granola and recipes with you all. Our cranberry orange blondies are a great treat to share with family and friends. The orange and cranberry flavor combination is a match made in heaven.  This recipe can easily also convert into a breakfast blondie by cutting back on the sugar.  No matter the occasion you choose, I hope it brings a little joy to your day!

Ingredients

¾ cup melted butter

1 ¼ cup brown sugar

A pinch of salt

A pinch of cinnamon

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 egg

1 ½ cup wheat or all purpose flour

½ cup dried cranberries

Zest from one orange

½ cup cosmopolitan granola crushed

¼ cup rolled oats

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F, lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan with spray and line with parchment paper, both sides overhanging for easy release.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, vanilla, and egg.  Whisk by hand until blended.
3. Fold in flour, cranberries, crushed granola, and orange zest. 
4. Spread batter into the lined baking pan and sprinkle rolled oats on top of the batter.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. 
6. Let cool completely, cut into squares, enjoy!

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Discover more recipes here and check out our Little Red Wagon Granola flavors here !

With the cold winter weather in full force now, I love to spend my extra time indoors baking.  Banana bread is a favorite in our house and it’s a great way to use up any aging bananas you may have on hand.  Our cinnamon swirl banana bread recipe will fill your home with wonderful cinnamon and maple aromas.  Try it today! 

Ingredients

Banana Bread Batter

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups whole wheat or all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 very ripe bananas 
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 cup Crunchy Monkey granola 

Cinnamon swirl

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 3 tablespoons cinnamon

yield: 1 9×5 loaf pan or 14 mini loaves.

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, melt butter.
2. Once melted add sugar, cinnamon, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, and mix until combined.
3. Add in ripe bananas, vanilla, salt, baking soda, and eggs.
4. Mash bananas into wet mixture and mix until well combined.  Use a hand mixer if needed.
5. Add in the flour and mix only until a batter forms.
6. Add in granola last as a garnish. Use your hands to break up bigger chunks as needed.
7. Spray your loaf pan with canola oil or use melted butter. 
8. Add your batter halfway up the pan and then swirl in the cinnamon swirl mixture with a toothpick or plastic straw to ensure every bite in the center will get some.
9. Add in the rest of your batter and swirl the top with more cinnamon swirl batter. 
10. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes in a standard 9×5 loaf pan. For mini loaves or mini muffins, bake for 10-15 minutes. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean in the center of the loaf. 
11. Allow to cool before serving and enjoy a slice of your cinnamon swirl banana bread with homemade whip cream on top and a warm drink of choice!

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Discover more recipes here and check out our Little Red Wagon Granola flavors here !

 

The holiday season is a time to indulge in comforting and festive flavors, and our eggnog tapioca pudding is a delicious way to do just that. This creamy dessert combines the rich taste of eggnog with the nostalgic texture of tapioca pudding, creating a treat that’s perfect for cozy winter evenings or holiday gatherings.

Eggnog, with its blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, is a quintessential holiday drink. The tapioca pearls add a unique texture that contrasts the creamy eggnog base, offering a satisfying bite in every spoonful. For those who love eggnog, this dessert is a must-try.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup tapioca pearls
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups eggnog
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp egg whites
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 egg whites
• whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
• Little Red Wagon Original Granola for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, soak tapioca pearls in milk, stir, and place in the fridge for 3 hours.

2. After 3 hours, pour tapioca and milk into a medium saucepan; add eggnog, 1/4 cup of sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. On medium heat, stir milk frequently to keep it from scalding.

3. When milk is piping hot, but before the mixture reaches a boil, turn down the heat to a low simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture should start to thicken.

4. Carefully taste-test the pearls to ensure that the tapioca pearls are soft and not chewy. Cook longer if needed. When the pearls are the right texture, stir in the vanilla and let cool for 15 minutes.

5. While tapioca is cooling, whisk together the sugar and egg white until stiff peaks form. Fold egg white mixture into tapioca.

7. Pudding can be served warm or chilled in the fridge until ready to serve. When ready to serve, divide into serving dishes or glasses.

8. Sprinkle with granola and top with whipped cream.

9. Enjoy!

Eggnog Tapioca Pudding: Your Versatile Holiday Go-To

If you want an extra holiday kick, add a splash of rum extract. The pudding is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal dessert for entertaining. To serve, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, and decorate with a cinnamon stick or perhaps a candy cane if you are looking for holiday charm.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking for a new dessert to enjoy by the fire, this pudding is sure to be a hit. Embrace the holiday spirit and give it a try!