From the heart & a winner!
Hello February!
Looking forward to a little spring weather after all that snow?
Our winter has been very mild compared to years past and although I'm enjoying the warmer than usual temperatures, I know the lack of rain and snow is not good. Our streams and forests need the water and snow pack for the summer months ahead.
It was all or nothing during the month of January .. we'll see what February brings.
We were talking a couple weeks ago about eating healthier and doing a little spring cleaning in the food department.
I see it as a positive ~ not depriving myself.
The cold, dry winter months..
The heaters are on, the windows are closed, it's tight quarters .. flu season, and skin and hair take a beating.
Don't forget to pamper yourself.
Even if it's just a few.. it makes such a difference in my attitude.
Candles.. and entertaining in doors..
family, friends, flowers..
my pup roaming around.
I crave foods with sustenance during the winter.
Here's a breakfast idea that's packed full of flavor and nutrition to get you through your morning!
I store this granola in a glass container to keep it fresh.
PLUS Chocolate!
Yes.. you know I love it;)
The cold, dark winters zap my emotional and physical energy.
This oatmeal is a wonderful treat for winter mornings. A little dark chocolate (65% or more cocoa) is said to have health benefits including improving memory and helping to fight inflammation which can lead to increased risk for heart disease.
Power Granola
Yield: Makes about four cups Cook time: About 30 minutes
2 cups of Old-Fashioned Oatmeal (not quick cook) 1/2 cup coconut flakes 1/2 cup roasted almonds 1/3 cup raisins or sweetened cranberries (optional:they are missing from the picture above) 1 Tablespoon honey 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 Tablespoons Coconut oil 1/4 cup Maple syrup 6 ounces of chocolate, chopped *free style ingredients! Add anything else you like such as macadamia nuts, cashews, dried apricots, etc.
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees. 2. Combine honey, coconut oil, and maple syrup in a bowl and heat for a few seconds in your microwave (can also be done stove top) to melt the coconut oil. 3. Combine all the other ingredients and place them on a pan lined with parchment paper. 4. Add the liquid ingredients evenly over the oatmeal mixture. 5. Back for about 30 minutes or until toasty. You may want to stir the mixture while cooking. 6. Remove from oven and cool. 7. Add chocolate chunks when COOL otherwise you will have a melted mess.
Enjoy with yogurt, milk, or a non-dairy beverage of choice.
Add a little cayenne or cinnamon to your hot cocoa to offer even more health benefits!
Java love....
What can I say? I live in the coffee (Starbucks;) capital of the world .. and yes they are on every street corner . It's so dark here that we need the caffeine to stay awake! Okay.. that wasn't very nice.. but we do have lots of gray at this time of year!
Yummy!
And the winner of the giveaway is..
Castles Crowns and CottagesJanuary 25, 2014 at 11:03 AM LESLIE! What a glorious post my friend! So bright and surprising against the white and uplifting. My I please enter into your giveaway! I hope you are well and enjoying the tail end of January! I love the velvet hearts and the thought of velvet is so comforting. Big hugs my sweet! Anita Congrats Anita! (have your people call my people regarding shipping details;)
xxleslie
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