My two favorite HEALTHY recipes that use your oats!

Here is my favorite recipe for homemade granola. It is SO good for you and a great healthy snack or can make a great breakfast with milk or yogurt. All of the items for granola can be found in your food storage, so it is a great recipe to have on hand to use up and rotate items in your food storage.

Homemade Granola:

1 c. sliced almonds (you could use any nut you prefer-cashews, walnuts, pecans, etc.)

5 c. oats (quick or old fashioned)

1 c. shredded coconut

1 c. raisins

1/4 c. sesame seeds (optional)

1/4 c. sunflower seeds (optional)

1/2 c. flaxseed (optional--good for you and gives it a nice crunch)

1/2 c. REAL maple syrup (the cheapest place to buy it is at Costco--it is kind of expensive, but well worth it-yum! It will last for a long time, so don't worry about not using it all)

1/2 c. honey

1/3 c. canola oil

Mix ingredients all together until all ingredients are covered in the honey, maple syrup and oil. If you need to add a little more honey you can do that. You don't want it very sticky, just enough to keep the granola together. Place granola on a baking sheet (don't spray) and put in the oven at 150-170 degrees and bake for 1-2 hours (or until COMPLETELY dry and crunchy). Every 30-40 minutes take the granola out of the oven and stir around to make sure all of the granola is evenly cooked. You can also put the granola in a dehydrator for 3-4 hours on medium heat until dry. By not cooking the granola at a high temperature you are keeping all of the nutrients and healthy enzymes in tact--it is the healthiest way to eat your grains. Let granola cool and then store in ziploc bags, Tupperwares or canisters. Will last for several months in your pantry (as long as it is completely dry).

These zucchini muffins are GREAT to have as a healthy snack! This is also a food storage recipe that uses up a lot of the grains in your storage. They are moist and delicious---and good for you!

Zucchini Muffins
1/2 c. canola oil

1 can applesauce (15 oz.)
1 1/4 c. sugar
3 eggs
2 T. vanilla
2 c. zucchini, grated
1 smashed banana (optional)

1 c. carrots, peeled and grated

1 c. raisins
3 cups flour (I do 1 c. wheat flour, 1 c. oat flour, 1/2 c. white flour & 1/2 c. oats)

3/4 c. raisin bran cereal (or plain bran--or more wheat flour)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt

Streusel:
½ c. oats

½ c. brown sugar
¼ c. butter
½ tsp. cinnamon

Mix together the oil, applesauce and sugar. Add eggs one at a time beating after each addition. Add vanilla, grated zucchini, carrots, raisins, and smashed banana. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients gently until the mixture is just moist. Do not over mix. Fill cupcake cups ¾ full. Sprinkle streusel on top before baking and then put in oven. Bake in a 375 oven for 20-25 minutes, or until done in center.