Crockpot Granola with Palisade Peach Yogurt

Homemade granola, ripe peaches, and a special ingredient that adds incredible flavor makes one mighty dream-fueling breakfast.

The granola is crunchy and not too sweet. When Hubby and I make a batch, it lasts for a few weeks, saving us money at the grocery store. To make the granola, you’ll need a 5 to 7 quart oval crockpot.

• 5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats* 

• 1/2 cup canola oil 

• 2/3 cup agave syrup

• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar 

• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract 

• 1 heaping teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 heaping teaspoon of chipotle powder (optional)

• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

• 1 teaspoon salt 

Lightly coat an oval slow cooker with vegetable oil spray and add oats. Whisk oil, agave, sugar, vanilla, spices, and salt together in bowl. Drizzle oil mixture over oats and gently toss until evenly coated. Cover and cook.**

**Cooking times depend on your crockpot. We used a KitchenAid until the bottom fell out, stirring every hour, for about 4 hours on high. With our new Crockpot brand, we cook on low, stirring every half hour with the lid ajar, for 3.5 hours, or until the oats are deep brown and fragrant.

When granola is finished, transfer to rimmed baking sheet and spread into even layer. Put the baking sheet on a baking rack, allowing the bottom to cool and not steam the granola. Once at room temperature, about 30 minutes, store in a large airtight container.

*Maroon-colored text links to hard-to-find ingredients and supplies on Amazon Associates.

Palisade Peach Yogurt

The special ingredient in this meal is the balsamic vinegar, which adds a scrumptious amount of depth and flavor. When peaches aren’t in season, I microwave one cup of frozen organic blueberries for one minute and 45 seconds and top the yogurt with that.

• 3/4 cup fat free Greek yogurt

• One peach peeled and thinly sliced

• 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme

• 1 tablespoon Bordeaux Cherry balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon slivered almonds

• 3 tablespoons granola

Add yogurt to a cereal bowl. Top with fruit, vinegar, thyme, almonds, and granola. Enjoy!

Total calories: 279

The best way to remove leaves of thyme is to hold the sprig so the leaves are upright, then pull in the opposite direction in one sweep.