If you couldn’t tell, I love making healthy granolas (my Super Healthy Cinnamon Raisin Granola is one of my favorites). I was inspired to use my vanilla chai tea for this granola while I was baking my Vegan Vanilla Chai Muffins. The smell filled my kitchen and was so yummy: subtly spicy and sweet. I used some cooked quinoa to add another grain to the mix, but also to add protein, and I threw in some sesame seeds for a good cancer-preventing measure (can’t hurt, right?) and because the sesame pairs so well with the chai! Try it, I know you’ll love it!
Chai Spiced Granola
2 cups old fashioned oats
1/3 cup quinoa, (cooked, drained)
1 Tbs. unsweetened coconut flakes
1 Tbs. sesame seeds
2 chai tea bags (unprepared)
¼ cup Splenda
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ Tbs. agave (or honey if you prefer)
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
~Preheat oven to 320 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment, sprayed with nonstick spray.
~In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients (cut open the tea bags and dump all of the tea and spices into the bowl; discard the tea bags) until well combined and completely moistened. Spread in an even layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 45 min, removing from the oven to turn the granola with a spatula every 15 min, until golden brown. Let cool, and enjoy!
*Note: this is a nut, seed, and dried fruit –free recipe. If you prefer your granola with any of these items, I’d recommend adding ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds to the mix before baking, and ¼ cup of dried currants to the mix after it’s done baking!
Strike up a conversation: This may seem random, but have you bought any new cookbooks or baking books lately? I have an extensive cookbook collection (no, really?) and I always love suggestions for new ones!
I’ve said before I make your healthy oatmeal cinnamon granola at least once a week, sometimes twice. I add pumpkin seeds and chopped almonds. It’s great. This one sounds good too though I never would have thought to empty the tea bags for the flavor. Great idea.