Hurricane Granola: Two Ways

Cocoa Cinnamon & Chocolate Walnut Chunk

Pumpkin Maple Walnut Spice

During last year's hurricane, we weren't taking any chances and battened down (literally) every hatch in our apartment. The tubs were full, the windows were taped, and the leather couch was disassembled and moved to safe quarters in the hallway. In case the squall exploded the building facade, we could take shelter from the storm on supple leather. This year, we're apparently throwing caution to the wind. Extra water and batteries are on deck, but the furniture has remained in place (and intact). Still, the thought that we may be living on rations had me thinking on my feet (or with my gut) and constructing new and exciting ways to make food that we can eat should the hurricane force us to go camping. I give you, Granola, Hurricane-Style. One decadent chocolate-y option that can actually be turned into granola bars and the other that's warming and cozy for those weather-imposed (unpaid) days off. Either / or are delicious and have helped me mitigate storm anxiety. Enjoy! And stay safe out there!

Cocoa Cinnamon & Walnut Chunk (Vegan, Wheat-Free, *Can be made nut-free)
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup Grade B maple syrup or agave nectar
2 cups organic rolled oats (or quick-cook oats_
1 cup puffed cereal (rice, millet, corn, etc.)
2 tblsps unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsps cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
*1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Mix oil and maple syrup or agave until blended. Add vanilla extract. Add oats, cereal, cinnamon, walnuts (if using) and chocolate chips. Combine. Spread on to ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Serve with non-dairy or real milk.

Pumpkin Maple Walnut Spice Granola (Vegan, Wheat-Free, *Can be made nut-free)
3 cups organic oats
*1/2 cup toasted walnuts
1-2 tblsps flax seed
1/2 cup unsweetened organic pumpkin puree
1/4 cup Grade B maple syrup or agave nectar
1 heaping tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 heaping tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Mix wet ingredients first. Add all dry ingredients. Stir everything is well-coated and combined. Spread onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 30 mins. Using spatula, gently toss granola to unstick and separate. Turn pan. Bake for another 30 mins. Allow to cool fully before serving.