RECIPES: VEGAN BREAKFASTS ON THE "HOOF", GRANOLA BARS, NUT BUTTER-FRUIT WRAP, OWN MADE GRANOLA

Veganism is getting a lot of  rave reviews these days, but a lot of regular food items have always been "Veganish". Recipes are easy to convert (Vegan chocolate chips instead of regular ones, Vegan marg. or coconut butter instead of  dairy butter & etc. maple or agave syrup instead of honey).

These are 3 of my all time faves and 2 of them came from working in Norway in the early 70's.
These are whole grain,high fiber, low sugar, lower fat and very very tasty.

OWN MADE GRANOLA

Mix and match your fave. dried fruit and nuts, just keep the amounts same (and chop with good scissors the dried fruit).

Makes 3 cups

Preheat oven 325F

2/3 cup maple or agave syrup
1/3 cup vegan marg or 1/4 cup coconut butter
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp sea salt ( optional)
2 cup oatmeal ( pref. old fashioned, not instant)
1/2 cup ground flax meal/OR raw wheatgerm/OR unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup chopped dried fruit
1/2 cup chopped raw nuts

Over low heat melt and whisk the fat, syrup and when all melted remove from heat and add the vanilla and sea salt.
Meanwhile in a large bowl mix the fruit, nuts meal and oats, running hands through to mix well.
Drizzle the warm syrup over and continue to mix well to coat using a wooden spoon. 

Pour onto a large cookie/baking sheet, and spread into a single layer.
Bake for 25-30 mins middle shelf.
Turn over the granola after 15 mins.

Remove from oven and cool on tray..it will harden up as it cools

Store in air tight container.

GRANOLA BARS..great for on the go breakfast, snacking or hikes

Makes 12 - 14 bars depending on size and shape..also they are very addictive

3 cups granola (see previous recipe)
1 cup roasted nut butter
1/3 cup toasted sesame seed paste ( tahini, or a further 1/3 cup toasted nut butter)
1 cup maple syrup or 3/4 cup agave syrup
1/2 tsp sea salt (optional)
2 cups any other breakfast cereal (bran flakes, what flakes, puffed rice or wheat & etc.)
1/2 cup ground flax seeds or raw wheatgerm
1/2 cup chopped dried fruit
1/2 cup chopped raw nuts


Lightly grease a  9 x 13 x2 inch ovenproof pan or glass dish or 2 roasting pans

If using flaked breakfast cereal, place on a plastic bag and crush into smaller pieces, (NOT into meal).

In a large bowl mix together well the  granola, dried fruit, nuts, crushed breakfast cereal and mix well together, set aside.
Over low heat melt the syrup, nut butter, tahini, until well combined.
Remove from heat and add the salt, stir well.
Pour this mix over the cereal and mix very well to coat.
Gently pour into the prepared pans, pressing down well, cover with wax/parchment paper and foil and chill for at least 45 mins before cutting.

You may add Vegan chocolate chips to this after everything is mixed well together, and syrup mix is cooled.

NUT BUTTER-FRUIT  WRAP

per  1 wholewheat flour tortilla or other wrap

2 tbsp nut butter
2 tbsp granola
1/2 banana thinly sliced or mashed
1tbsp raisins or other dried fruit
sprinkling of cinnamon (optional)
1 tsp agave nectar
2 tbsp chopped nuts (optional)
for a MORE grown kick also add a sprinkling of cayenne pepper and lime juice

Spread nut butter over the tortilla.
Add the banana down the center and sprinkle with spice, raisins and nuts.
Drizzle with syrup and roll like a burrito.
May be warmed in microwave for 10-15 seconds or oven 350f for 1 min.

Also try adding sliced apples or pears, make any fresh fruit thinly sliced including berries.

FOR VEGETARIAN:
Try using honey, molasses or condensed Milk using just 1/2 cup per 3/4's cup in recipe for maple.

Use Dairy Butter in place of vegan marg. and chocolate chips.


HAPPY EATING AND DON'T SKIP BREAKFAST