I am taking a design class right now that talks a lot about metaphors and tropes and how our society uses them in every day life. Sounds pretty complex, right? If you think about it, everything in life is pretty much a metaphor. When you see a green light, you know it means go. A red stop sign means stop. And a blinking yellow light means yield. Even words and numbers are metaphors. When you look at a clock and read 11:15, it is standing in for time, which in itself is almost not feasible.
Metaphors are everywhere. I recently did a project on metaphors and product packaging. I am fascinated at the way colors, symbols, and health claims are used in order to make something seem “healthy.” The colors green and brown often times signify “organic” or “all natural,” so for the consumer who doesn’t have the knowledge to know what the meaning of “healthy” is, they can rely on product packaging to do so. This becomes an issue because products that are no-so-healthy, can easily be portrayed as healthy.
Who cares, right? Well, this sparked my interest in granola and granola bars. A lot of granola is made with added sugar, high fructose corn syrup, lots of salt, etc. Making this so-called healthy option, unhealthy in disguise.
This is why I like to make my own home-made granola. That way, I can skip the mumbo-jumbo and use ingredients that are nutrient dense.
The coconut oil was a great touch. It definitely provides this granola with a coconutty flavor. It is a nice mix up from olive/canola oil.
So, I made this granola while I was at home back in February, and completely forgot to post it. My parents puppy, Sasha, is a curious little one…What a cutie.
Basic Ingredients
1C chopped, dried apricot
3 cups of rolled oats (certified gf)
1/2C unsweetened, shredded coconut
2T coconut oil
1/3C sun flower seeds
2T flax seed meal
1/2t salt
1/4C honey
How to make apricot coconut granola
Preheat oven to 350F and line an 11×17 inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together dry ingredients.
In a small bowl, mix together coconut oil and honey. Coconut oil solidifies at room temperature, so you may have to nuke it for ~20 seconds to soften it up.
Then, pour coconut oil/honey mixture over granola and toss. Make sure everything is thoroughly coated.
Evenly spread granola mixture onto baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the oats turn golden brown.
*With a wooden spoon, toss granola every 10 minutes to ensure it bakes evenly.
Sorry for the rant, I have a bone to pick with this subject! Check out some of my other granola recipes for more mix-in ideas…
Preheat oven to 350F and line an 11×17 inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together dry ingredients.
In a small bowl, mix together coconut oil and honey. Coconut oil solidifies at room temperature, so you may have to nuke it for ~20 seconds to soften it up.
Then, pour coconut oil/honey mixture over granola and toss. Make sure everything is thoroughly coated.
Evenly spread granola mixture onto baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the oats turn golden brown.
*With a wooden spoon, toss granola every 10 minutes to ensure it bakes evenly.