What are we all living to be?  

Day to day, we are ticking off our to-do lists.  Whether you are studying to get that great job or working to get that raise.  You are always trying to improve that resume.  Always thinking about that next thing you should be doing.  

It has been ingrained in us since grade school - to work hard to be something someday.  But, at the end of the day, what really matters?  

This was a topic that came up during my weekly dinner with my younger brother.  And after thinking about it the rest of the night, I was reminded that at the end of the day, for me, what really matters is my family - my health - the beautiful nature all around us - local produce at the market  - cooking with my boyfriend - my friends who constantly inspire me.    

The parts of your life that matter most are likely not things on your resume.  

Now, with that insight into my current life thoughts... I'm also sharing a food thought I've been mulling over.  

A grain-free granola thought.

I tried Larabar's Renola the other week.  I flipped over to read the ingredients on the package and my first thought was - I must find a way to recreate this in my kitchen as soon as possible (a.k.a. starting that night).  So, a week and a few batches later, I finally came up with this cinnamon & nutty mix.  

After grabbing a handful, you won't even notice the absence of grains.  The nuts' crunch, the slight saltiness and the sweetness from the raisins.  You won't even want oats in the way.  And it's sugar free! 

Grain-Free Granola 

• 1 cup chopped almonds
• 1/3 cup chopped cashews
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds and/or sunflower seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2-3 teaspoons coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup  raisins (or any dried fruit)

Directions: 

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

- In a large bowl, toss all the nuts and seeds together.  Set aside.  Then, in a small bowl, mix together the sea salt, cinnamon, vanilla extract and coconut oil.  Pour the liquid mixture into the nut mixture and toss everything together until it is well coated. 

- Spread the granola out in an even layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.   Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes, rotating the pan occasionally.  After about 10 minutes, if they appear to be more golden but not yet burned, take out of the oven.  Toss in the raisins.  Then, put the mixture back in the oven for about 3-5 more minutes.  

- Take out and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container (I prefer mason jars).  It will keep for over a week, if it lasts that long.  

Just a few handfuls of this will do the trick.  

Power on, being you.