Almond Joy Granola

I'm a BIG fan of granola! I use it to top smoothie bowls, acai bowls, as a cereal, or as a snack! 

This almond joy granola quickly became a favorite as it's from Minimalist Baker (Love them.) and can be found here: http://minimalistbaker.com/almond-joy-granola/#_a5y_p=2342523

Ingredients: 

• 2.5 cups rolled oats 

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

• 1 cup raw almonds

• 3 Tbsp. sugar 

• ¼ tsp of salt

• 1/4 cup coconut oil (or canola/olive oil)

• 1/4 cup almond butter (Minimalist baker suggests to add a little salt if not salted, but I did not and found it fine)

• 1/3 cup maple syrup/agave (I used maple syrup)

• 1/3 cup dairy-free dark chocolate (bar or chips), roughly chopped (I've omitted)

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 340 degrees F

2. Mix oats, coconut, sugar, salt, and almonds in a large bowl 

3. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat melt coconut oil, almond butter, and maple syrup together 

4. Pour wet mixture over dry and mix together 

5. Spread mixture onto baking sheets and bake for 20-25 minutes. (Keep a close eye to make sure coconut and almonds don't burn)

6. Once browned, remove from oven and allow to cool. If adding chocolate either put it on as it cools to have it melt over granola or wait until completely cool

7. Store in a air tight container

Eat with milk as a homemade cereal, as a topping on smoothie bowl/acai bowls, or alone for a snack!

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

I haven't made a major dessert for some time, but this chocolate zucchini bread looked too good to pass up! 

Original recipe is from Popsugar Fitness, found here: http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Vegan-Chocolate-Cranberry-Zucchini-Bread-Recipe-18785052. The original added cranberries, however, I didn't have any so I omitted to simplify everything. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/2 cups shredded raw zucchini (one medium)
• 1 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 large banana
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Shredded the zucchini either with a grater or in a food processor and set aside. 
3. Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices in a separate bowl.
4. Mash banana with sugar, oil, and vanilla extract. 
5. Fold in shredded zucchini and mix in dry ingredients until combined. 
6. Pour into loaf pans and bake for 40-50 minutes or until knife can be inserted and come out clean. I also topped mine with chocolate chips before putting them in the oven, but that's completely optional!