Peanut Butter Granola – Chocolate, Chocolate and more

Total Time: 25 minutes

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What a week this has been! With school cancelled due to the devastation that Hurricane Sandy has brought to the area, it makes you realize just how little control we really have over anything. But the human spirit is amazing,  we can face insurmountable odds, lose everything dear to us, and still find the strength to get back up on our feet and face the day again. And that’s exactly what we’ll do, and we stronger for it. We will never go quietly into the night……

But lets not dwell on the problems we face, because today my friends, is a day to celebrate! Any day that friends can come together and share the gift of food, whether it be in person or virtual, is a very good day. And today is one of those days, as it’s my pleasure to introduce to you, Joan from Chocolate, Chocolate and more. If you’ve never met Joan, but you like Chocolate, this is going to be a match made in heaven! But don’t get worried if chocolate isn’t your thing, because you’ll find plenty of other baked treats to keep your sweet tooth satisfied! Joan is quite the prolific baker!

Just be careful not to hit your head on the computer screen while you’re trying to get to those tasty treats, because Joan is quite the photographer too, and she’ll have you drooling on your keyboard as you view those delectable images that shares with us! So get  ready for some serious stomach rumblings as I give you…….

Chocolate, Chocolate and more

Hi all! I’m Joan from Chocolate, Chocolate and more. I was so excited when Chef Dennis asked me to come and guest post. If you haven’t guessed by the name of my blog, I love Chocolate. Really, I love all sweets, especially homemade. Baking is what I love to do best. It’s not unusual to find a batch of cookies in the oven or fresh bread on my table. I have no formal training, just being a wife, mom to 3, step-mom to 2 and grandma to 3. A hungry family provides plenty of opportunity for testing out recipes. I sometimes think I’m raising future food critics, they don’t hold back. My youngest today was looking over my shoulder while I was editing some pictures, She started to critique them, and was actually pretty good. I agreed with her on every one, Scary.

I love having my kids in the kitchen with me and that’s what got me into blogging. My girls and I decided to bake our way through the summer two years ago. I know they will share those memories (and hopefully recreate them) with their own children one day. I think that’s the true reason to be in the kitchen, whether you’re making the ultimate cake from scratch or just using a box mix to make brownies, cooking at home is such an important part of bringing a family together. A few of my favorite recipes involve the kids, Buttery Soft Pretzels, Chocolate Covered Everything, Devils Food Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting, Decorating Cookies with Royal Icing and Homemade Caramels.

With school back in session, the kids always come home hungry, looking for a quick snack to hold them over till dinner. Instead of them reaching for the bag of chips, I wanted to have a little healthy available, just grab and go.

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5 from 5 votes

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time25 mins

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Author: Chef Dennis Littley

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or other nuts optional

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• Lightly spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
• Combine peanut butter and honey in a medium bowl and microwave about 20 seconds, until peanut butter melts. Stir to combine.
• Add in cinnamon and vanilla, stir again.
• Add oats and pecans and stir till oats are completely coated with peanut butter mixture.
• Spread out on prepared cookie sheet.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes until granola starts to brown.
• Remove from oven and let cool completely.
• Store in airtight container.

I’ve always had granola on my list of things I’ve wanted to make, thanks Joan for sharing your recipe and for such a delicious guest post! Now before you forget, head on over to Chocolate, Chocolate and more  and say hi to Joan, just make sure to tell her Chef Dennis sent you! Just make sure to give yourself enough time to browse through her delicious creations, I know there are going to be so many you’ll want to save to make for your own family!

For all my friends that were in harms way with hurricane Sandy, you’re in my thoughts and my prayers. We were spared the brunt of the storm in Philadelphia, but so many along the shore line and northern New Jersey were not. The American Red Cross can always use help, no matter what time of year it is, so if your able send a little something there way, or better yet volunteer if you have the time. Be safe, and be happy!