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Saturday, April 17, 2010

Coconut & Papaya Granola

This is a recipe I came up with that was inspired by my Cauldron Boy. He has a problem that many people have while at work, which is eating the junk food that is so readily available at the office. His major vice is the salty pretzels. Being that he suffers from high blood pressure, these little snacks made with bleached wheat flour and doused with salt are the last thing he needs on his daily plate (though he does love pretzels)!

So, at his request, I made some crunchy granola in hopes that this high fiber, crunchy & sweet snack would keep him away from the pretzels.
After the week went by, he proudly declared that he didn't eat one single pretzel while at work. This is a a major success in my book, as I believe that Cauldron Boy suffers from gorge instinct. His royal sweetness also stated that this Coconut, Papaya & Almond Granola














is the best granola he's ever had. I loved it too, so I hope you will try it-it's easy!

Here is the recipe:

2 Cups Organic Oats
1/2 Cup Almonds-chopped or slivered
1/2 Cup Flaked Coconut
1/2 Cup Dried Papaya Pieces
1/4 Cup Sunflower Seeds
1 Tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 Tsp. Salt
1/4 Cup Brown or White Sugar
1/4 Cup Honey*
3 Tbsp. Oil
2 Tbsp. Peanut Butter

Preheat oven to 320 degrees and line a baking pan with parchment paper.

In a bowl, toss the oats, sugar, cinnamon and salt thoroughly. Then add the coconut, papaya, almonds, and sunflower seeds and mix. Now, add the honey and oil-mix very thoroughly. Last, add the peanut butter and use your hands to scrunch the granola and peanut butter together to ensure even coating.

Pour the granola onto the prepared pan and bake for 10 min at 320. After 10 minutes, stir the granola a bit and raise the temp to 325. Bake for another 8 min and then stir again. From this point, bake for another 3-5 min and then remove from the oven. Let cool before eating.

Sweet papaya goodness!


















Enjoy with milk/soy milk or eat dry!

















*To my vegan lovelies, just sub maple or agave syrup for the honey.

38 comments:

  1. Stella

    I have always wanted to make my own granola instead of dipping into the bins at the health food store; I knew it was easy so I was just lazy and did not have a recipe; now that last hurdle is solved!

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  2. Stella, this looks brill but both Drew and I dislike papaya intensely. Do you think that dried mango would be a good alternative?
    The recipe looks so moreish, and I have all of the ingredients except the papaya.

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  3. Ohhh, this looks absolutely heavenly. I can always rely on you to fuel my love for coconut and tropical flavors, can't I? :) Definitely saving this one.

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  4. Stella
    this looks absolutely delicious!! I think I would have to give up pretzels too....what a great combination of flavors!

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  5. Hey Girl Foodie, yes, of course! Mango might be even more delicious than the papaya...

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  6. This does look wonderful Stella. I make granola all the time and am always interested in a new flavor.

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  7. I bet this would be spectacular with a little bit of half & half! Beautiful pictures.♥

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  8. Hi Stella! Oh, I am a granola freak - I eat it almost every day! But like many, I have yet to make my own - this looks so, so, so good. I love papaya and coconut - the flavors go so well together! You're so good to your Cauldron Boy :)

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  9. love homemade granola! blows grocery store varieties out of the water!

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  10. This homemade granola sounds wonderful with coconut and papaya!

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  11. Oh I'd give up more than pretzels for your granola Stella. This looks wonderful. I love granola with milk and this would add the perfect sweetness for my sweet tooth. Thank you again for sharing. Hope you're having a super weekend!

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  12. I've never seen papaya in a granola bar! That sounds delicious. Great recipe, Stella and I'm so glad it solved the salty pretzel problem!

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  13. Tropical granola is my favorite thing! So happy you are back!

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  14. Your baking sheets of homemade granola look incredible, I usually purchase granola of the cardboard persuasion so as not to over consume, but your post is inspirational and I may have to try this recipe!

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  15. In a battle of the bellies, this granola totally wins out over pretzels. Excellent work beating those pesky salty morsels! Delicious granola :)

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  16. Dear Stella - You are brilliant at combining these wonderful tropical flavors that makes me want to take the first flight out to Bali!

    Coconut, papaya and almonds..Oh My!!!

    Gorgeous :)

    Ciao, Devaki @ weavethousandflavors

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  17. Looks great Stella! Cauldron Boy is one lucky guy.

    I can only eat papaya when it's fresh and cold. I don't like it when it's at room temperature, something about the smell that I find off putting.

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  18. Love the fabulous tropical flavours of this granola

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  19. Hmmm....like the idea of papaya in granola :D

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  20. You know I actually have everything needed for this but I do think I'd prefer it with dried mango which I also have. I am such a pantry pack rat LOL Sounds wonderful and we all could use something delicious, satisfying and healthy for when the munchies strike!

    Btw, I think you're wonderful and you always put a smile on my face, so, I've got something for you. You're not obliged to accept but I do hope you will come by my blog and take a look :)

    http://quickiesonthedinnertable.yolasite.com/recipes/and-the-award-goes-to-

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  21. Tasty and flavorful alternative to junk food! Looks delicious. Granola can be pricey, but making it at home is the way to go. Love the summery flavors going on here!

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  22. Hey Denise, I think your'e wonderful too (you know I do)...
    And, I've already checked out the award of course!

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  23. great granola..i love the tropical taste..great for spring..

    sweetlife

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  24. What a lovely treat. He is fortunate to have you looking out for him. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  25. Back again! You asked about lights and lighting. The info can be found here.

    I use the following light set up for my pictures. It is made by Lowel

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/439977-REG/Lowel_E1_92E_Ego_Fluorescent_2_Light.htm

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  26. Such a healthy snack..No wonder why he gave up pretzels for this :D

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  27. I do like the idea of papaya in granola for a tropical twist!

    Dan

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  28. Thanks Mary! I will check it out...

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  29. Wow, that turned out perfect!

    xoxo

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  30. Ha! Getting the cauldron boy to stop eating pretzels - I knew you could work magic!

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  31. Mmm..can't wait to try it out! Papaya and coconut combo sounds exotic to me ;)

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  32. This granola has saved me at work. I have stopped munching on office "treats," and started munching on healthy granola instead. And it's so super simple too!!

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  33. I have been looking for a recipe for a different granola or mueslix to have over morning yogurt. This looks like just the thing! Thanks! This is my first time here at Witchy Kitchen ... love the look and the atmospere of your little place in cyberspace!

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  34. you changed the little corn cob photo!! I love your photos!

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  35. I love homemade granolas. Yours looks so delicious and healthy too. :-)

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  36. I actually had some of Stella's granola. It is not an exageraton that this recipe, at least while fresh, is equivalent to a fine dessert!! really!! (BTW, i checked the fat and caloric content of 'granola' and saw that it was pretty high; however, I do not think Stella's would be that high, as the recipe as listed hones down as much as possible the high fat/caloric content.) Perfect substitute for a really good dessert that you feel you cannot have. Eat while fresh!

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