I had every intention to make soft pretzels this weekend. Ryan and I have been frequenting a local German bakery on an almost daily basis. Soft pretzels are our new favorite way to unwind. But making soft pretzels is a lot of work, and when Sunday’s temperatures started to climb towards seventy degrees, I knew we had to celebrate Daylight Savings Time outside.
We drove to Denver where we picked up croissants and country wheat bread from the very best bakery in Colorado (I promise, Lucy had more fun that it might look in the picture above). Then, with Lucy close to my chest, we walked around Baker and visited several good friends. The day ended almost as perfectly as it could have: an outdoor dinner with my sister and niece and nephews. We arrived home way later than Lucy’s bedtime, and I’m just now (at 10:00pm) writing this blog post.
And so instead of beautifully twisted pretzels, I’m sharing a simpler recipe (but one that’s just as satisfying). This blueberry coconut granola is one of my favorite morning meals or afternoon snacks. Sweetened with maple syrup and studded with roasted coconut and sunflower seeds, this granola is an indulgence you can feel good about.
Blueberry Coconut Granola
3 cups old fashioned oats
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup dried unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup dried blueberries
Mix dry ingredients in large bowl; mix the melted coconut oil and maple syrup in another. Combine. Divide and spread on 2 large baking sheets. Bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes, or until browned to your liking, stirring once or twice.
I have been making granola almost non-stop for the past few months. This looks like a great variation, I need to find me some dried blueberries!!
Oh I love dried blueberries! I haven’t bought them in forever and now I need to! And it sounds like you had a wonderful weekend. It was gorgeous here too and we also spent lots of time outside. Amazing how good it was for the soul!
Did you say coconut and blueberry? My husband might just flip! Two of his favorite flavors ever! Well, dark chocolate puts up a huge fight…
I love the simplicity of this recipe, too often granolas are too busy for me.
sending you a hug straight from Paris!!!!
Ooh, this granola sounds fantastic! Somehow I never think to make any at home (although I certainly have enough oats and fruit in the house). Coconut and blueberry sounds like a perfect combination–maybe over a bowl of tart yogurt?
did you guys not feed her croissant that why shes a little freaked out 😛
I haven’t had the energy to tackle anything major either. Plus the weather is gorgeous outside here too. I’m sure the ones you bought were close to as good as yours. I spent the weekend with my nieces and nephews too, it makes for a great one. Hope you get more rest this week.
-Gina-
Hmmmm, I’m torn. I love soft pretzels, but I do enjoy a good granola.
I haven’t made homemade granola in a long time but I should, and this version looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Very nice crunch… mmmh…the blueberries add a sweet, delicate touch!. We had a warm weekend too! 🙂 ela
Sounds like a wonderful day! I only made granola for the first time recently. Yours looks like a wonderful one to have around.
Yum! Dried blueberries are a wonderful thing and it sounds like Lucy and mom and dad had a fun time! 70 degrees, that must be heaven!
This granola looks so full of flavor, need to stock up on dried berries! Also, totally digging that fun bowl!
What a beautiful and delicious weekend with your loves. 🙂 The granola sounds beautiful. 🙂
WOW look at that feast! Haha you are right.. she looks a bit bored and maybe sleepy. Such a little cutie!
Monet, homemade granola is so much better than storebought and your recipe is just utterly delightful – love the taste of blueberries and coconut together! Your photography is amazing!
Just out of curiosity (coming from this country of relentless breadlovers, of course, I have to ask) – did the German bakery share the recipe for the soft prtzels with you or do you usually make soft pretzel following a tried-and-true recipe?
Aw, that sounds like the most perfect Sunday ever. How nice.
I really don’t mind you didn’t get to make pretzels – because this granola looks so damn delicious. Yum!
Dear Monet, Sounds like a perfect day to remember.
The granola is a wonderful and healthy treat. Blessings dear. Catherine xo
I love the blueberry coconut combo.. and this granola sounds perfect!
Lucy does look a bit dour, but I’ll bet she was just wondering when she’s be old enough to eat croissants and granola! This is great — thanks.
This sounds delicious! I love the use of almonds and coconut here, two of my favorites. Sunflower seeds and dried blueberries add another wonderful flavor level. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Your spontaneous trip to Denver sounds SO fun! And this granola looks and sounds fantastic – totally my type of snack or breakfast. YUM!
I love to make granola! Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe.
What a fun looking day out! more and more I am being inspired to leave the kitchen and enjoy my surroundings. this granola looks really delicious, I could eat it by the handful
It’s so nice to get out and enjoy the warm days when we have them this time of year! Love the combination of blueberries and coconut. Yum!
Hi Monet, I made these (and a pistachio version) and just posted about both. I linked back to your post. Loved them, thanks for the tip.
Sorry, I just realized I posted the above comment here instead of on the naturally sweetened PB cookie post by mistake. Wanted to correct it but see the comments there are closed!