HONEY NUT & CINNAMON GRANOLA

I looove honey for its complex flavor and versatility – I add a spoonful to everything from my morning coffee to my favorite vegetarian chili. We use it daily at our house, so when the National Honey Board asked me to team up to create some ‘Golden Moments’ throughout the month of September for National Honey Month, I happily signed up.

*photos by Kate LeSueur

To celebrate the kickoff of our partnership, I thought I’d share one of my favorite breakfast recipes where honey takes center stage. I have a feeling I’m not the only one out there with a major weakness for granola. I’m constantly experimenting with homemade versions, and I’ve officially crowned this one the clear winner. Served alongside a scoop of greek yogurt and berries with a drizzle of honey over it all, it’s hard to think of a more delicious way to start the day.

The granola starts with a basic formula of oats, nuts, coconut oil, dried fruit, and honey, then allows you to swap out the specifics based on what you have on hand. Any types of nuts and seeds can be used instead of the pecans and pumpkin seeds, and cranberries or raisins could certainly be subbed in for the dried fruit.

The key to getting that golden brown crunch is letting this cook low and slow… at 275 degrees for an hour and a half, to be precise. There are honestly no words for how delicious this smells — the honey lightly caramelizes over everyone, and it’s like one cozy cinnamon-y hug perfuming the entire house.

A few more ideas and recipes from the Golden Moments party concepts that I developed with the National Honey Board:

• For your Workout Party: Prioritizing exercise after a long day can be tough, so find a buddy and enjoy your workout together! The endorphins will make you both feel amazing and you’ll get the opportunity to split some post-workout snacks, like delicious Oat and Honey Bites or a refreshing Honey Greek Yogurt and Cherry Smoothie.
• For your Party with Kids: Though parents love to see smiles on their little ones’ faces during a party, the after party clean-up can feel like a catastrophe! Make your clean-up less crazy by using tumblers with plastic lids and straws. You’ll make less trash than if you use paper cups and you’ll have fewer spills—two things all parents can get behind!

• For your next Date Night: Time with your significant other doesn’t have to involve long waits and overpriced entrées! You and your sweetie can have a great time together by testing out new drink recipes and cooking dinner together. Try The Orange Crush Spritzer, or a healthy Caribbean Chicken with Honey Pineapple Sauce.
• For your next Girls Night In: Instead of making one large dinner for your girls’ night in, try creating a few easy snacks that everyone can munch on throughout the night. Try some Sriracha and Honey Deviled Eggs or Honey and Nut Glazed Brie for two creative twists on traditional party snacks.

For all the recipes and tips you need to celebrate National Honey Month all September long, visit here. And keep scrolling for the recipe for this Gluten-Free Pecan & Coconut Granola!