I feel terrible confessing to the world that I don't eat breakfast in my blackberries and mango clafoutis post. The more I think about, the worse I feel. Mum would be sad if she knows that I skip breakfast, wouldn't she? I mean, mothers alway tell their children not to skip breakfast. And here I am, shamelessly proclaiming my undisciplined life. Very bad.
Although a quarter of 2008 has passed, I am going to squeeze "eating breakfast" into my 2008 resolution.It is never too late to add another resolution as long as I can keep it right?
Where are we? Oh yes, da breakfast. Something nutritious, healthy, easy and tasty. After some googling and tastespotting, I decided on granola. One with 70% dark chocolate, just to make sure I will stick with the regime. The granola inspiration comes from one of my favorite bloggers- Molly, who posted a granola recipe, which was in turn inspired by the granola she had in Paris.
If Parisan can eat chocolate for breakfast, why can't I, right? I adapted Molly's recipe to use whatever I have on hand and enjoy eating. She recommended Trader Joe's bittersweet chocolate, but I opt for half a block of the Green and Black 70% chocolate that I got from Target (while it was on sale, of couse). Mostly because the thick slab of Trader Joe's bittersweet chocolate is too hard to chop finely. And using 70% chocolate makes the granola slightly healthier.
I have also grinded half of the rolled oats, for texture,a tip I learned from The Traveler's Lunchbox post on granola. I have just started my breakfast regime this morning, with a cup of granola. Tomorrow, I am eating it with a cup of plain soy milk, as Molly suggested. One thing you need to know about this granola- it's great for snacking too. Definitely make a double batch!
Almond and Dark Chocolate Granola
inspired by this recipe
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup sliced almonds
2 tbsp light brown sugar
Pinch of salt
5 tbsp mild honey
1 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 block of 3.5oz 70% chocolate or more, finely chopped
Preheat the oven to 300°F.
In a food processor, coffee grinder or blender, grind half the oats to a fine powder.
In a large bowl, combine the grinded oats, oats, almonds, brown sugar, and salt. Stir well to blend.
Warm the honey, maple syrup and oil over low heat, whisking occasionally –until the honey is loose, this should not take long, about 15 seconds. Pour over the dry ingredients, and stir to combine well.
Spread the mixture evenly on an oiled baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden. Stirring the granola half way through for even baking. When it’s ready, remove the pan from the oven, stir well – this will keep it from cooling into a hard, solid sheet – and cool completely.
When cool, transfer the granola to a large bowl, storage jar, or zipper-lock plastic bag. Add the chocolate, and stir (or shake, if using a jar or bag) to mix.
Makes about 5 cups.
19 comments:
mandy, granola has never looked any prettier and tastier!:) almond and dark chocolate is indeed a great combo!:)
I'm not a big breakfast eater either. I like breakfast, but just don't seem to have breakfast as a priority.
This could make me change my mind though. Looks tasty!
I made some granola a couple of weeks ago too and headed straight to Molly's blog to try that granola recipe. The chocolate just adds an extra punch. If you could eat this kind of sugary goodness every day, I'm sure breakfast would be a favorite of yours. It's probably my favorite meal ever.
I'm iffy on breakfast too! This would work great! chocolate for breakfast...i think you are on to something!
Sold! I am definitely trying this out...who can resist chocolate for breakfast?!
A reason for chocolate in the morning! Yummy in my tummy!
I have to confess too:) I skip breakfasts too, often, like 5 days a week:) And I knot it is not good. Your granola made me reconsider my bad habit too:) Lovely pics!
Your granola looks great! I have an obsession with granola in the morning lol.
I was tempted by this recipe too! Glad to know it was a success -- AND that it's getting you excited about breakfast, my favorite meal!!
Hee hee! Wow, we can almost make up any excuse for eating chocolate for breakfast! :P But at least it gives us plenty of energy for the rest of the day, right? Nice brekkie Mandy! :)
This looks yum...this is one way I've started to get some breakfast into me but not with milk :-P I love the idea of chocolate...I dipped my oatmeal bars in it & they tasted 10 times better...My husband loves granola, so I'll have to give this one a try!
Oh how I love a good homemade granola recipe. We like to sprinkle it atop Greek yogurt!
i love granola too and usually eat it with yogurt, but it's unheard that i eat it as snack as well.
What gorgeous granola! I feel healthier just looking at your beautiful pictures. And I'm all for eating chocolate for breakfast. What better way to start the day?
making your own granola is so rewarding, because it is typically a food that everyone buys. once you've made it once and realize how easy it is, then it's hard to go back!
Awesome!!!! My family is huge granola fans, especially my dad. I made it for him for Christmas and he ate the entire two tins we made in about four days. We will never again buy granola at the store. Thanks so much!
Thanks Maggie! Glad your family like the granola. Actually I just made a batch today too! :)
I collect granola recipes. This is a keeper for sure, the only thing I would change?? at least double the recipe! Used a bar of dark velvety Lindt chocolate. You are a baker after my own heart in a sea of food bloggers. Granola, biscotti, galettes, crepes....
I love dark chocolate almond granola with sliced strawberries and milk. I decided to try making it myself because granola can be so expensive to buy. I love this recipe. I only left out the brown sugar, it's perfectly sweet without it! Thank you!
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