baking

Banana Nut Granola

I used to make granola on a weekly basis, and then I sort of fell out of the habit. Every time I get back into it, I always ask myself why I stopped! It’s perfect on its own, in a trail mix, stirred into yogurt, or with a bowl of milk.

Banana Nut Granola

I have a few favorite granola recipes, and today I want to share a new one. It’s banana nut granola, and I can’t get enough of it! There’s something about the combination of bananas and nuts that is so delicious 🙂

Banana Nut Granola

Ingredients
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup nuts, chopped (use any kind you like!)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ripe banana, mashed

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine the oats, nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the coconut oil, honey, vanilla extract, and banana. Microwave for 30 seconds and whisk until completely combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and stir until combined.
5. Spread the granola evenly on the baking sheets and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The granola is done when it is golden brown.
5. Remove granola from the oven and cool completely. Store in an airtight container and enjoy!

Tomorrow is the Big Day!

The big day is almost here. My little sister is getting married! This time last year, I was super proud of her for graduating high school, and now I’m super excited for her because she’s tying the knot.

photo booth for wedding and bridal shower with frame

I am so incredibly happy for Hannah and her fiancé, Josh. They’re both so wonderful and each serve God will all their heart. Now they get to do that together.

My brother, sister, and I all met our spouses at our church, and to say that’s a huge blessing would be an understatement. There’s just something special about spending your life with someone who is on the exact same page as you are in terms of faith. Because really, what matters more? Nothing.

I’m thankful to my parents for raising us in the Christian faith, and proud of them for going through three weddings in four years! Go Bill and Lisa!

So, what else is going on?

Well, I’m bushing up on my Russian again. Ever since I found one of my old journals, I got inspired to dive back in. Jimmy and I both want to visit Moscow one day.

Learning Russian with Duolingo

I use the Duolingo app and really love it!

I finished baking for the wedding. I made four dozen almond butter cookies and four dozen decorated sugar cookies. Jimmy helped me put the royal icing on the sugar cookies, which was a huge help! I would have been up so late the other night if he hadn’t joined me in decorating. Thank you, Jimmy 🙂

Heart sugar cookies

I filmed another vlog yesterday about a day in my life. It includes Malcolm’s naughty antics, mowing, pet sitting, and a lot more randomness. If anyone is interested in what it’s like to work from home (aka how easy it is to get distracted) this is the vlog to watch 😉

Well, I better start working! I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!