PB&J Granola

It's peanut butter jelly time! Sorry, couldn't help it : ) 

Maybe I've regressed into childhood since hitting thirty, but I seem to have developed a minor obsession with peanut butter and jelly in recent months. First, it was chocolaty peanut butter and jelly cups, then I went weeks eating peanut butter and jelly oatmeal for breakfast. Now, I bring you peanut butter and jelly inspired granola!

While the trans fat laden PB and sugary jelly slathered on Wonderbread you ate as a child isn't exactly nutritious, there's at least one healthy food in there - peanuts! I frequently run across clients who know nuts are nutritious, but for some reason think peanuts are an exception. Maybe it's the association with Snickers, bar food and the aforementioned PBJ? I'm not sure, but it's a shame because peanuts are a nutrition powerhouse, and an inexpensive and much-loved one at that. 

Biotin

A quarter cup serving of peanuts provides about 85% your daily needs of biotin making it one of the best food sources. Biotin plays an important role in the production of insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels. Being rich in healthy fats, fiber and protein, peanuts are already great food for blood sugar control. Food rich in biotin may be beneficial to healthy skin, as the vitamin is used to store fats in the skin, keeping it soft and supple. 

Copper

Peanuts are a very good source of copper, a mineral that plays an important role in maintaining bone health, metabolizing dietary carbohydrates to form energy and the production antioxidant enzymes. 

Heart Health

Peanuts protect your heart! Like all nuts, they are a rich source of monounsaturated fats. One study that looked specifically at peanuts found adding them to your diet can help lower triglycerides. Peanuts also contain other heart healthy nutrients including folate, vitamin E and niacin. Peanuts also contain phytosterols, a compound often added to foods to lower cholesterol. They even contain reservatol, the same compound found in red wine, albeit in much smaller amounts.

Antioxidants

Peanuts are a surprisingly rich source of antioxidants, in fact, one study found they were as concentrated in antioxidants as strawberries! Even more interesting, the same study found roasting peanuts increased the concentration of one antioxidant, p-coumaric acid, by 22%.

Peanuts and peanut butter are two foods I always purchase organic. Peanuts are one of the most heavily sprayed crops, plus, because they grow underground, peanuts are more exposed to pesticide and other chemicals from the environment. Purchase peanut butter that lists nothing more than peanuts and salt on the ingredients list.

For the jelly part, I used freeze dried strawberries. I love freeze dried fruit because it has a nice crunch and isn't as sugary as dried fruit, which is often made with added sugar. Find it in the same aisle as dried fruit or purchase it online.

Another ingredient shout out - thanks to the kind folks at Skinny & Co. for a sample of their coconut oil. Skinny Coconut Oil is a 100% raw, extra-virgin coconut oil. Y'all know I love coconut, and coconut oil is a staple in our house. What I love about this brand in particular is their mission. They work closely with the communities in Vietnam that produce their oils, donating 10% of the profits to community efforts in the country and funding schools in Vietnam to teach children English. Many farmers only make money during harvest/picking season, however Skinny & Co. funds their farmers year round. You can find it online and order with free shipping. 

Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola

Makes 5 cups

3 cups oats

1 cup millet

1/4 cup flax seed or chia seed

1 cup peanuts

1/2 cup peanut butter

3 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon molasses

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/2 teaspoon salt
1 ounce package freeze dried strawberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

In a large bowl, mix oats, millet, flax or chia seeds, and peanuts. Set aside. 

In a small saucepan, heat peanut butter, honey, molasses, coconut oil and salt on medium heat, whisking frequently, until smooth and blended, about 3 minutes. Pour peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir to combine. 

Spread granola mixture evenly across an oiled baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake 25 minutes. Mix three times during cooking by pushing the granola on the outside of the baking pan towards the middle, since it tends to burn easily around the edges. 

Remove from oven and set aside to cool. The oats will still feel soft but will crisp up as it cools. When cooled, mix in freeze dried strawberries and store in a covered container at room temperature.