I have been addicted to granola for a few months now.  Although I love a good fruit and yogurt parfait, I have been looking for some new ways to use granola.  This recipe is a perfect way to add some variety to your granola.  Granola + corn muffins = a perfect combo!  Taking it one step further, I made the corn muffin mix in my waffle maker.  So much faster and you can cut them into cute little dipper sticks!

Here's the easy recipe!

• 1 box of Jiffy corn muffin mix (also a Michigan brand!)
• 3/4 cup Simply Suzanne Original granola
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon chopped jalapenos (or 1/4 green pepper, chopped finely)
• 1/2 teaspoon Cajun spice
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 3/4 cup cheddar cheese (or your favorite!)
• Few dashes of hot sauce
• Salt, to taste

1. Heat up your waffle maker and spray with some Pam.  I use setting 3, or whatever is in the middle.  
• Note: To make regular muffins, preheat oven at 400
2. Combine all ingredients and pour into hot waffle maker.  So quick and easy!  My maker beeps, but they take about 5-6 minutes.  Just keep your eye on them.
• For oven, bake for 15 minutes!

Recipe is derived from one sent to me by Simply Suzanne with some granola to taste.

These corn muffin waffles can be paired with some chili or, as we did yesterday, with Cajun food.  I have a recipe coming up later for my super easy Cajun bowl (Jambo, as I like to call it).

Check out the website!

Simply Suzanne granola is a Michigan company that makes amazing granola (duh!).  I received the Original variety to sample, but since we have purchased two other varieties: Very Cherry and Lotsa Chocolate.  It's very easy to find at Meijer and other local stores...usually in the natural or organic section.   Best part? It's super affordable, compared to other national brands. 

What do you like to do with your granola?

Mmmm Mondays! Go-to granola

We love oatmeal in this family.  Nothing better is a warm bowl of maple brown sugar oatmeal for breakfast...in the winter.  During the summer it's too hot for it!  This summer we have been hooked on granola.  We make parfaits, put it on our frozen yogurt or just add it to our fruit salads. 

Only bad thing?  We were buying it.  I don't know why I didn't think to make it before now, but I just assumed buying it would be cheaper. 

I saw this great recipe and I knew I could add our favorite ingredients to make it just like the stuff we buy.  Plus this is a great kid-friendly cooking recipe.  Olivia is my kitchen helper and she loved to measure out everything for me.

Here's what you need for our Nutty Coconut Cranberry granola:

• 4.5 cups of old-fashioned oats, uncooked
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup shredded coconut
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 1 tablespoon canola (or vegetable) oil
• 1/2 cup craisins

Once you have all of these ingredients on hand, it will be easy to whip up a batch.  Also, you can add and subtract whatever you like!  I love the versatility of granola.

1. Preheat the oven to 350.  Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine oats, nuts, coconut, cinnamon and salt in a big bowl.
3. In a smaller bowl, whisk: syrup, juice and canola.  Add to big bowl and mix well.
4. Pour onto cookie sheet and spread evenly.
5. Cook for 20-25 minutes until toasted.  Add craisins and store in an air-tight container.

Enjoy!