Super Chewy Coffee Granola (...and Overnight Banana Oats)

It might be too hot outside over here for stews and casseroles and other hot food (except from everything barbecue of course!), buuuut that doesn't stop up from needing our leisurely mornings and tasty granola, right? And instead of warm oatmeal, how about preparing some jars of overnight oats in the fridge instead? Here comes a double-whammy, just for you! It's Friday after all, and we have better things to do than spending too much time in the kitchen. These two recipes practically makes themselves!

I found a recipe for coffee granola over at LovelyLiller's blog and figured that there was no other option but have a go at it. I made a few alterations using ingredients I had, and the result? Some super chewy, delicious granola with a little bit of caffeine for those mornings when you need a jump start to your day!

Super Chewy Coffee Granola
(Makes about 3 small jars)

NOTE Remember to add the chocolate covered beans when the granola has cooled down compleeetely! You don't want to end up with melty coffebean blobs...Look at them shine!

120g oats
20g sunflower seeds
30g cashew nuts, whole or roughly chopped
30g raisins or chopped dates
1/3 cup (60-70ml) coffee (Using 1 tbsp instant, it's got to be STRONG, like Popeye!)
2 tbsp (mild) honey, such as acacia - but any will do! (swap for syrup if you want it vegan)
2 tbsp sukrin icing sugar, sukring gold, or brown sugar
25g (chocolate covered) coffee beans

- Start by pre-heating the oven to 160°C.

- Make coffee. Then, in a mixing bow - have everything except from the chocolate covered coffee beans (if you're using regular coffee beans, they can go into the mix). Stir well to combine and if the mixture is a little too dry, add a touch more honey.

- Spread the mixture out on a baking tray and bake for about 40-50 minutes. If you prefer small clusters or crumbles, stir to break it up every 10 minutes or so. Are you a lover of big clusters? Try and turn over the granola in big pieces, and break up once the mixture is dry - making sure you get the desired amount of epic, chewy clusters!

- Leave out to dry for an hour or two, and then mix in the chocolate covered coffee beans, and place in a jar. Or take out the yogurt and top with this and a drizzle of honey or syrup for instant happiness and a caffeine boost!

And now, over to the overnight oats!

Usually, I just add yogurt, water, sweetener or sorts, berries and oats, but then I saw how The Boy Can Cook incorporated banana into the mix, clever! For these jars of creamy oats, you'll simply need:

Overnight Banana (and Raisin) Oats
1 jar that can fit it all
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup milk
1 small banana, mashed
Raisins (optional)
Pinch of salt
Cinnamon (optional)

- Have the oats in a jar with a lid, topped with mashed banana, and then with the milk. Give it a right good shake, before opening and adding a small handful raisins (if using) a pinch of salt and cinnamon if you want. Cover and shake again and simply place in the fridge overnight and it will be ready and waiting for you come morning!

- Top with your favourite granola (I'd already ran out of coffee granola by the time I discovered this...) and optionally some sliced fruits or berries. Enjoy!


Original source:
http://lovelyliller.com/ferskbrygget-kaffe-granola/
http://boycancook.wordpress.com/2013/07/26/overnight-oats-banana-and-raisin/

- Jules