Lavender Granola w. Champagne Nectarines

Happy Valentines Day Week! This recipe is a great alternative (or addition) to the store bought heart shaped gifts we love to give and receive. It is something you can make on your own with a personal touch to show love to others or to yourself. Whether you are enjoying Valentines Day with a significant other, your best friends, or taking time for yourself, this recipe can help you celebrate love with something sweet, healthy and unique. Remember to be mindful and treat yourself to some downtime, make your favorite meal, read a book, take a bubble bath - do you! Taking valuable downtime can be challenging with always being on the go, so make sure to take time this week and recharge your body, nourish your mind, and lift your spirits by giving yourself the gift of time.

RECIPE

Prep time:  20 minutes

Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Gluten free/ dairy free/ vegetarian

Recipe type: Breakfast

Serves: 6 – 10

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 T of dried lavender
  • 3 c. oats
  • 1 c. shredded coconut
  • 1 c. almonds
  • 1 c. chopped hazelnuts
  • ¼ c. peanut or coconut oil
  • ½ c. sunflower seed
  • 2 T. maple syrup
  • 2 T. brown sugar or honey
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • Dried cherries or other dried fruit you desire

 

Champagne Nectarines

  • 4 nectarines
  • 1 c. champagne
  • 1 tsp of lemon zest
  • 2 tsp of sugar
  • 2 tsp of honey
  • 1 tsp of nutmeg

DESIGN

Granola

  • Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In a small skillet, infuse the lavender into the peanut oil until the lavender is wilted.
  • Strain the lavender out of the peanut oil and set the peanut oil aside.
  • Let the aromas of the lavender & peanuts fill your kitchen.
  • Combine syrup, brown sugar, peanut oil, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the oats, nuts, sesame seeds, coconut, and sunflower seeds.
  • Pour the liquid mixture over the oats and blend quickly & thoroughly.
  • Spread the mixture over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake for 1 hour & 15 minutes, moving around the oats periodically to get them nice and toasted.
  • Start making the nectarines while the oats are in the oven.
  • Let the granola cool completely before serving.
  • Put the leftovers in a beautiful jar and enjoy all week.

 

Champagne Nectarines

  • Combine all ingredients into a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
  • Turn down the heat and simmer about 10 minutes until most liquid has boiled away.
  • Serve with Greek yogurt, drizzle with honey.
  • Add in a little mimosa to celebrate v-day week with your gals or love.

 

This recipe inspiration comes from my sister Liz. Thanks to her for teaching me how to cook and be free in the kitchen.

NOURISHMENT

Lavender is not only calming and grounding; it adds an extra flare of taste to your baking dishes when infusing it into the oil. Lavender is great for baking, and this beautiful plant holds many great benefits. As known to most people, lavender relieves stress, tension, and enhances blood circulation. It also allows you to breathe deeper. Simply rub a couple of drops mixed with a carrier oil and massage into your feet so it can work into your circulation from the ground up. Rubbing lavender on your temples can help relive a headache.  

 

Photography Kate Zimmerman.

 

NourishCat Looke Thompson