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Recipes

Pumpkin Caramel Apple Nachos

 

It’s officially fall! We hope you are enjoying some beautiful fall foliage and tasting the bounty of the season’s crops. If you’re looking for a snack that combines the flavors of the season with a fun twist, look no further than our pumpkin caramel apple nachos.  This recipe has crisp apple slices arranged like nachos on a plate, drizzled with warm, gooey pumpkin caramel, and topped with pumpkin granola!  It is a great blend of the season’s flavors and makes a fun party snack or dessert. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a sweet snack to enjoy while watching your favorite movies, this recipe is sure to impress. Dig in—fall never tasted so good!

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon sea salt flakes
2/3 cup heavy cream
1/2 pumpkin puree
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
½ cup Pumpkin Patch granola
2-3 apples sliced

Instructions:

1. In a medium heat-safe bowl, place butter, vanilla, and sea salt. Set aside.
2. In a small pot, pour heavy cream and add pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree.
3. Heat on low, whisking slowly.
4. In a medium pot, add 1 cup sugar to 1/2 cup water and mix until well incorporated.
5. Warm the sugar mixture on medium heat until the sugar becomes golden brown.
6. Once sugar is a dark golden caramel shade, slowly add the warm heavy cream mixture.
7. This will instantly bubble up. Whisk in the heavy cream as you pour.
8. Cook on low, continuously stirring with a silicone spatula. The caramel will thicken with time.
9. After 5 minutes of additional low cooking, pour this mixture into your bowl with butter, vanilla, and sea salt.
10. Whisk together till combined. If there are any sugar lumps, strain out the lumps while the mixture is thin and hot, and then allow the sauce to cool.
11. Once the caramel is at room temperature, transfer it into a sealable container and refrigerate. Allow the sauce to cool in the fridge for a few hours to 24 hours.
12. When ready to serve, slice apples and fan them out onto a decorative board or plate.
13. Drizzle pumpkin caramel sauce and top with pumpkin granola.
14. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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News

What’s It Take To Make The Best Healthy Granola?

 

From a farmer’s market favorite to a national brand, Little Red Wagon Granola has a mission everyone can love: feeding people the best healthy granola. We still believe that small-batch granola tastes the best (and is the best for you)! Making the best healthy granola requires top-quality ingredients. From the warmth of cinnamon to the subtle crunch of almonds and pecans, our original flavors will keep you coming back for more. 

Handmade with Love In Small Batches

There’s just no replacement for homemade. You know this when you bite into our crunchy, fresh-baked granola. The oats have a crisp edge to them that is unmistakable, and the ingredients are sprinkled perfectly in every bite. We pay attention to detail, and our customers know to expect the best every time they pick up a bag.

If you’re a granola every morning type of person (or just love to share) try our new 4 lb bags for even more of a good thing.

The Best Healthy Granola Is Never Sugary Sweet 

At Little Red Wagon Granola, we would never dream of layering our beautifully crafted oats with low-quality sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup. And you won’t find any sugary clumps in our batches! We are thoughtful in our approach to healthy food. Our oats are flavored with real brown sugar for that deeper molasses flavor that adds contrast and depth of flavor. 

Nutrient-Dense and Packed With Fiber

The best healthy granola isn’t just tasty; it’s also good for you. Foods rich in fiber also keep you full and satisfied longer, not to mention the benefits for your gut health! Our fresh, preservative-free whole-grain oats have healthy fiber and nutrients in every bite. In addition, our oats are packed with beta-glucan, the fiber that stabilizes blood sugar and boosts immunity. Add monounsaturated fats from nuts like pecans and almonds to keep bad cholesterol levels at bay, and you’ve got a heart-healthy snack!

The Best Healthy Granola Is Little Red Wagon

When you’ve got a good thing going on, you share it! Our granola is passed around by the handful across picnic blankets and breakfast tables to friends and family. And we love sharing the best healthy granola varieties with you.

From seasonal flavors like Pumpkin Patch, and Big Apple to classic favorites like Crunchy Monkey or Original, try our variety pack in four, eight, or 12-pack options! 

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Recipes

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

As summer winds down and the weather gets cooler, I love to spend more time 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. 

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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News

Practical Uses For Leftover Granola

If you’re a granola lover, then you already know the dilemma: what to do with those last few bites of sweet and crunchy granola that always seem to be left at the bottom of the bag? It’s not enough to be a bowlful or even a filling snack. But you’d never dream of tossing it out! Well, you’re in luck. This month we’re taking a creative look at what to do with leftover granola. 

Mini Fruit Crumble With Stewed Apples And Leftover Granola Recipe

This treat couldn’t be easier and it’s perfect for fall! Just dice one or two apples (or a cup of your favorite fruit), transfer to a bowl, and add one to two tablespoons of butter, half a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and a bit of lemon zest. 

Mix ingredients until the apples are well coated, then place them on the stove in a small pot. Cover and heat on medium for fifteen to twenty minutes, stirring occasionally. 

As the mixture cooks, grab your granola (we love our original granola for this recipe) and chop it up in a food processor, making it extra crumbly. Sprinkle on top of your stewed apples, and enjoy! 

Stone Fruit Smoothie Bowl Topped With Leftover Granola

Power up your morning with this nutrient-dense leftover granola recipe: blend two cups of frozen cherries with half a banana, one cup of coconut water or milk, and a half cup of frozen peaches. 

Once the mixture is smooth, pour it into a bowl. Sprinkle it with chia or flax seeds and some Crunchy Monkey Granola. 

Not only will your body appreciate the anti-inflammatory benefits of the cherries and healthy fats from the seeds, but your tastebuds will love the indulgence of Crunchy Monkey’s chocolate chips!

Buttery Baked Sweet Potato And Leftover Granola Recipe

Look no further if you want a filling snack that packs a punch in the health and comfort department! 

Take a baked sweet potato and mash the insides to a creamy consistency. Add a little coconut oil and a pinch of Maldon salt and turmeric. Mix these with the mash before drizzling a tablespoon of maple syrup over it. 

Then top it with those last few handfuls of our nutty and citrusy Cosmopolitan granola for some crunch and variety. 

Shop Little Red Wagon Granola To Find More Flavors 

Hungry yet? Us too! Check our online store to see what other granola varieties are available and create your own leftover granola recipes. You can also find where Little Red Wagon Granola is sold near you to pick up a bag (or five).

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Recipes

Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich

 

Oatmeal cookie ice cream sandwiches are the perfect afternoon snack as summer winds down and the kids head back to school (or for any sultry summer day in between)! We make our homemade cookies with Mocha granola, but feel free to swap in your family’s favorite Little Red Wagon granola flavor.

Ingredients:

1 cup butter at room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup crushed Mocha granola ( or substitute with your favorite flavor)
4 oz uncooked rolled oats

Instructions:

1. Soften butter in the microwave or let sit out to soften.
2. Preheat oven to 340°F.
3. Crush Mocha granola with a food processor or crush it by hand in a Ziploc bag with a rolling pin. Set aside.
4. In a medium bowl, mix softened butter and brown sugar with a spatula or a hand mixer if desired.
5. To the sugar and butter mixture, add eggs, salt, vanilla, cinnamon, baking soda, and honey.
6. Add flour, instant coffee, oats, and granola and mix until just incorporated and a dough forms.
7. Scoop into teaspoon-sized balls and line on a baking sheet
8. Bake for approximately 10 minutes at 340°F or until edges are firm.
9. Once cookies cool, scoop your favorite frozen yogurt or ice cream across one cookie, and sandwich with another cookie.
10. Place cookies in the freezer so they can harden (about a couple of hours).
11. Once frozen, roll the sandwiches in your favorite toppings like nuts, chocolate chips, or even more healthy granola.
12. Enjoy!

Yields 6-8 oatmeal cookie ice cream sandwiches depending on preferred cookie size (12-16 individual cookies)

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News

Wondering What To Eat With Granola? These Are Our Favorite Pairings!

 

Granola is a magical mix of toasty oats and craveable ingredients all on its own. But sometimes, it’s fun to shake things up and get creative when you’re craving something sweet. Wondering what to eat with granola? We’ve put together a list of our favorite pairings. Keep it classic or get creative—there’s something sure to suit every taste. 

Classic Pairings

When you’ve got the right granola—think plump raisins, velvety chocolate, or spicy cinnamon—the best way to eat it is right out of the bag. But there are a few classics that go great with granola. 

Layer Granola With Yogurt And Fruit For A Hearty Parfait

Think parfaits are boring? Think again! There are endless ways to construct this heart and healthy bowl, whether you’re looking for a meal or a high-fiber, high-protein treat. Experiment with using different types of yogurt. Get playful with your fruit choices (bonus points if you use what’s in season!). And don’t forget to layer in plenty of tasty, crunchy granola.  

Keep It Simple For A Tasty Treat

Sometimes, the best things in life are also the simplest. If you’re looking for a treat, dish up some granola with fresh fruit and whipped cream. This combo checks the sweet, crunchy, and creamy boxes without leaving you feeling bogged down. Our favorite combo is seasonal berries, freshly whipped cream, and a generous sprinkle of Mocha granola

Creative Pairings

Looking to get more adventurous with what to eat with granola? We’ve got some ideas! From tasty dessert toppers to breakfast baked goods, there’s no limit to what you can do with a bit of creativity. 

Punch Up Your Summer Cobblers

Summer is for barbecues and potlucks! Want to impress your family and friends? Punch up any cobbler by topping it with our Cosmopolitan granola. The zesty hint of citrus plays nice with many cobbler fruits. At the same time, the blend of cranberries, almonds, and pecans makes for a tasty, crunchy crumble. 

Take Dessert To A Whole New Level

If you’re limiting your granola munching to breakfast, we’re sorry to say you’re missing out! With their toasty oats and natural sweetness, our granolas make an excellent binder for cookies, bars, and other baked goods. From tasty s’mores monkey bars to fluffy cosmopolitan cream puffs, granola takes dessert to a new level. 

What’s Your Favorite Thing To Eat With Granola? 

There’s nothing we love more than hearing about how our granolas brighten your day. As a family-owned and operated business, each batch is made with love by our team of bakers. So, the next time you’re wondering what to eat with granola, head over to our blog for a little inspiration. And let us know, what’s your favorite thing to eat with granola?  

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Recipes

S’mores Monkey Bars

 

We hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July and are enjoying your summer! Summer is a great time to break away from the day-to-day, relax, and spend time with family and friends. What better way to spend time with friends or family this summer than a cookout or backyard barbeque?  S’mores and Rice Krispie treats are quintessential treats for summer gatherings. Our S’mores monkey bars blend the best of all worlds into a delicious afternoon snack or after-dinner dessert. So when you are looking for a special treat, try our s’mores monkey bars!  

Ingredients:

  • 1 10oz bag mini marshmallows
  • 5 cups Crunchy Monkey Granola
  • 1 cup Teddy Grahams or crumbled graham crackers
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • Parchment paper

Instructions:

  1. Line a 8.5”x 8.5” baking pan with parchment paper, butter the parchment paper, and set aside.
  2. Crush the Crunchy Monkey Granola lightly with a rolling pin. 
  3. Mix crushed granola, Teddy Grahams or graham crackers, 1 cup mini marshmallows, salt and vanilla in a medium bowl. 
  4. In a large pot, heat butter over medium heat.
  5. As the butter melts, add in the rest of the marshmallows and stir with a wooden spoon until the marshmallows are completely melted.
  6. Remove from heat and pour the granola mix into the melted butter and marshmallows.
  7. Blend quickly using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture is evenly incorporated.
  8. Spread mixture into the greased 8.5 x 8.5 pan and use parchment or a flat spatula to lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan.
  9. Allow mixture to set for approximately 15 minutes.  Lift out parchment paper and cut into squares.
  10. Enjoy and store leftover s’mores monkey bars in an air-tight container at room temperature.
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News

Introducing Our Brand New Line of Little Red Wagon Granola Bars

At Little Red Wagon Granola, we believe in trying new things—whether it’s introducing the world to new and exciting flavors, like Cosmopolitan, or looking for fresh, sustainable ways to make the granolas you love. That’s how we all grow–as people and sustainable businesses. With that, we are so excited to announce the launch of our first line of granola bars. After nearly 20 years of creating delicious, handcrafted granolas, we’re bringing our commitment to healthy food to bite-sized, on-the-go deliciousness.

Starting in August, we’ll be sampling two flavors of granola bars: 

  • Fig & Orange & Apricot
  • Spiced Date

Why We’re Excited About Our New Granola Bars

There’s plenty to be excited about with our new granola bars. But we’re especially excited about the quality of ingredients, the new flavors, and how this will support our company’s core values. 

Quality of Ingredients

We will continue to source our healthy ingredients from local and sustainable sources. We are taking the nutritional benefits of our whole grain granola and putting them into bite-sized fun. To meet the demand of customers looking for nut free options, we included healthy seeds to boost protein along with a blend of dried fruits, and whole grains giving you all the same delicious benefits of our granola.

Playful & Unexpected Flavors

At Little Red Wagon Granola, we’ve never been afraid of thinking outside the box (or bag) when it comes to our flavors. Which is why we’re going whimsical with our new line of granola bars. Get the antioxidant benefits of chia seeds while munching on delicious whole grains and dried fruit. Figs and oranges are a classic combination with the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. And lastly, date combined with a little spice will give you a lift just when you crave it most. 

Ongoing Commitment to Healthy Food, Healthy People, Healthy Earth

As you know, we believe in creating food that is healthy for people and the planet. Venturing into a new product means that maintaining our commitment to our core values is more important than ever. With our new granola bars, we plan on staying fresh and relevant while keeping it local, hand-crafted, and sustainable. 

Order our new granola bars while supplies last

These granola bars will be a limited availability run available through the website while supplies last. Which flavor excites you? Which taste would you like to try? Contact us or tag us on social media. Be sure to check back next month when we launch the granola bars. 

 

 

 

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News

Get to Know the Team of Bakers Behind Our Handmade Granola

At Little Red Wagon, we think granola making is a true craft. And, like any craftsmen, we’re passionate about what we create and want to share it with the world. The team of bakers behind our handmade granola are the heart and soul of our company. They truly embrace our values of healthy people, planet, and food. In this blog, we’re introducing you to the team behind every bake! 

Granola Made With Our Hands and Hearts

From our humble origins at the Chapel Hill Farmers’ Market to today, our artisanal, handmade granola is never manufactured and always delicious. We hold ourselves—and our ingredients—to the highest standards and opt for locally sourced whenever possible. Each bag that goes out the door is thoughtfully baked by a passionate human and made with the best intentions and best practices.  

Meet Our Handmade Granola Bakers and Magic Makers 

We’re a family-owned and operated business, and the people we work with become part of that family. Our handmade granola makers are true craftsmen and women in the kitchen and make us proud of every bag that goes out the door. 

Katrina 

Katrina has been baking for a total of 13 years and has been on the LRWG team for the past seven months. Her favorite part of the job is helping a local business grow and creating new recipes. When asked about her favorite way to eat our handmade granola, she said she prefers Original granola with almond milk and fresh blueberries. When not in the LRWG kitchen, she loves to garden and decorate cakes for friends. 

Essence 

Essence’s love for baking began when she was about seven years old. She’s been an essential (pun intended) part of the LRWG team for two years and is motivated by creating delicious granola alongside a great team. Her favorite way to eat LRWG granola is straight from the bag, but she occasionally mixes it up with ice cream, yogurt, and other baked goods. You can find her reading, gardening, or traveling when not at work.  

Bassim

Bassim is another one of our expert handmade granola bakers and an integral part of the team. He’s been baking as long as he’s been part of the team (two and a half years) and brings raw talent to the mix. His favorite things about the job are the baking time and smelling fresh granola all day. Bassim’s go-to LRWG flavors are the always-satisfying Mocha and Cosmopolitan

Lisa

Lisa has been baking for six years and served as the LRWG Bakery and Packaging Lead for the last two years. Her favorite parts of the job are the hours and her co-workers; for her, it’s like working with family. Although she can’t enjoy the granola herself due to a nut allergy, Lisa takes great pride in ensuring product safety and quality for all our customers.  

Stock Up On Your Handmade Granola Favorites! 

We truly wouldn’t be where we are today without our dedicated bakers whipping up artisanal, handmade granola for our customers. And the next time you open a bag of LRWG, we hope you think of the experts behind each cluster! If all this talk about granola has made you hungry or realize you have to stock up, shop here

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Recipes

Crunchy Monkey Granola Parfait

We hope the summer weather is treating you well. As schools start letting out for the summer, vacations begin, and the weather starts to warm up we could all use some simplicity in our day. Parfaits, like this Crunchy Monkey Granola Parfait, are a simple treat that can be a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack to cool off from the hot weather, or a light refreshing after-dinner dessert.

A parfait can’t be beaten for its simplicity, but also offers infinite variations to satisfy the pickiest of eaters. You can adjust the protein level, flavor profile, and sweetness level based on the yogurt you choose. Parfaits are also a great opportunity to use in-season fruit or whatever you have in the house. My favorite Little Red Wagon Granola is Crunchy Monkey, so I’ve used it here, but feel free to make the parfait your own using your favorite granola flavor.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup vanilla yogurt
  • 1 small banana, sliced, strawberries and blueberries or other fruit of choice
  • ½ cup Chunky monkey granola or your favorite Little Red Wagon Granola
  • Options: fruit jams or peanut butter

Directions:

  • Pull together fresh fruit, your favorite Little Red Wagon Granola and vanilla yogurt.
  • Dice fruit of choice into bite size pieces
  • In a mason jar or clear glass, spoon half of the yogurt into the bottom of the jar or glass. Top with half of the banana slices and chopped granola. Then, repeat by adding a layer of yogurt then fruit and granola.
  • Options: parfaits are versatile, feel free to jazz up the parfait by adding a fruit jam or peanut butter as a part of the layers of the parfait or drizzle on top of the parfait.
  • Serve parfait immediately to keep granola crunchy.  If you need to make the parfait ahead, only add granola to the top layer.