Orange Granola
Orange is the solution to many of our problems ... but we didn't know it yet.
We all have days when we wake up unmotivated, where it seems that our energy has been taken away from us, our skin is dry and our body feels weak. Sometimes we just don't want to take off the sheets. And that is fine. We have to listen to our body, but it is also important to know that there are certain foods that can help us beat everything, luckily orange is one of them!
The experience of eating oranges is by itself healing. It reminds us of those quiet Sunday breakfasts, in which we take each bite calmly and take time to enjoy it. When we cut and peel an orange, we perceive a unique, fresh and revitalizing aroma. The result is a natural aromatherapy ritual that has many benefits, such as improving sleep, raising spirits, calming the body, and reducing stress and anxiety.
On gray days, orange is a great ally. Its consumption helps make dopamine, which is the neurotransmitter in charge of pleasure, motivation and relaxation. It is a natural antidepressant that, although it does not work to treat a severe psychological problem, it can improve a bad day.
Eating orange also provides us benefits on good days, since it has nutrients that improve the immune system and circulation, while hydrates the skin. It also contains a lot of vitamin C, known for its production of collagen and elastin, which help anti-aging and keep skin toned and firm. And, in addition, its antioxidant power helps to have a healthy metabolism.
Including orange as part of our daily diet fulfills a double function: it has tangible benefits for our body and, at the same time, eating them is in itself a healing ritual for the soul. With this fruit we can give our body and soul just what they need.
Listen to your body, listen to yourself, & give yourself what you need. Sometimes part of the answer is in a juice or an orange granola.
Recipe
Ingredients:
3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup chia
1/2 cup amaranth
1/2 cup raw almonds
2 oranges
1/2 cup natural honey bee
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings:
1/3 cup quinoa pops
1/3 cup hemp seeds
1/3 cup amaranth
Steps:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, almonds, chia, and amaranth. Stir to blend.
Pour in the orange juice, coconut oil, honey, cinammon, ginger and vanilla extract. Mix well, until every oat and almond is lightly coated.
Pour the granola onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer.
It's important that the layer doesn't have any spaces in between (prevents the mix getting burned).
Bake until lightly golden, about 35 to 45 minutes, stirring halfway (for extra-clumpy granola, press the stirred granola down with your spatula to create a more even layer). The granola will further crisp up as it cools.
Let the granola cool (at least 45 minutes).
Top with quinoa pops, amaranth, and hemp seeds.
Break the granola into pieces with your hands if you want to retain big chunks, or stir it around with a spoon.
Note: If you like a crispier granola, turn off the oven after 35 - 40 minutes and leave the granola for 15 more minutes.
