Recipe: Chia-Quinoa Morning Mix

Normally I share healthy, quick, and easy recipes, and while this one is definitely HEALTHY and EASY — it does take a little prep time (great weekend choice).

Here’s how it works: Prep the mix in advance, and about 20-30 minutes before your next breakfast, scoop out a serving, add liquid, and cook!

Once you master the basic recipe you can experiment by adding different fruits, grains, and spices. I focused on holiday flavors and colors for this version. :) 

Makes 12 servings.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups (240 g) rolled oats

• 1 cup (180 g) quinoa

• 1 cup (160 g) dried cranberries or cherries

• ½ cup (90 g) hemp, flax, or chia seeds (or a combo!)

• 1 tsp cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice mix!)

• ¾ tsp sea salt

• Optional: maple syrup, Greek yogurt and/or shelled pistachios (as topping)

Directions:

1. To make the mix, combine all of the ingredients EXCEPT the optional maple syrup, yogurt and/or pistachios, and place in a sealed airtight container.

2. To prepare 1 serving: In a small saucepan, stir together 10 oz (295 ml) of liquid (water or milk) and ⅓ cup (5½ Tbsp) of the mix.

3. Bring to a boil over medium-high. Lower the heat to a simmer and partially cover the pan, stirring occasionally. Cook until thick, 20-30 minutes. Cover the pan completely and let stand for 5 minutes. Spoon into a serving bowl and add optional toppings and sweetener.

4. Serve and enjoy!

Tag me at dr_saara_haapanen (on insta) or @saara.haapanen (on fb)  if you try this recipe 👩‍🍳

Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by annastories

Recipe: Trail Mix Granola

Is this trail mix or is this granola? Either way, it’s DELICIOUS.

Your home is going to smell AMAZING while this is in the oven. Warning: it’s addicting. Be sure to exercise portion control with this healthy snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, cashews, hazelnuts)

• 1 cup raw slivered almonds

• ½ cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds

• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla

• ½ cup unsweetened flaked coconut

• 1 cup dried cherries, blueberries or cranberries

• ¼ tsp sea salt

• (optional: 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees and line 1 or 2 baking sheets (depending on their size) with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix the nuts, almonds and pumpkin seeds. Set aside.

3. In a small bowl, combine the coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Pour over the nuts and mix well. Add the optional pumpkin pie spice and mix again, till everything is evenly coated.

4. Spread the nuts on the baking sheet(s) and sprinkle salt over the top of the mixture. Bake for 15 minutes.

5. Remove from the oven and stir the nuts to make sure they toast evenly. Bake for another 15 minutes and remove from the oven. Stir again, adding the coconut flakes. Bake for another 10 minutes to toast the coconut.

6. Remove from the oven for a final time, and let cool. Mix in the berries and store in an airtight container.

Recipe by: Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by bhofack2 from Getty Images Pro