I’ve been battling myself for quite some time. I’m not sure which direction I should go. On top of that there’s the time anxiety and productivity shame that comes with feeling stagnant. Do I become an engineer again? What about management? Operations? What if I go back to school? So many choices and nothing that really leaps out at me. I’m not sure if that’s because I’m scared of moving away from some of the things I’m good at, or taking a pay cut, or the loss of freedom.

Some of the things I do want/like. Food photography, though I’m struggling currently in the last few days with that. I love psychology and am strongly considering going back for a masters. It’s such a long road. I had a horrible time in college. Semi new found freedom on top of depression, stress, and anxiety. What if that happens again?

Either way, whatever I choose, I’m going to be good at it. It’s odd to hear myself say that, but I will be. That’s something I’ve learned over the last 8 years. I’m currently just stuck and scared.

Moving on to why you’re really here on this specific page. It’s granola time. This honey cinnamon coconut pecan granola ticks all of the right boxes. It’s sweet, and once baked, breaks nicely into clusters. You can eat them by the handful or pop them into a cup of milk. There’s no wrong way.

When choosing an oil I like to use canola oil as it’s very neutral, meaning it has little to no taste, and it won’t burn when in the oven. Honey adds a nice sweet flavor. Pecans join the party for a rich earthy nuttiness and chew. What would granola be without some fruit. Here we go with raisins and dried cranberries. The slight tart is a nice surprise. Both help balance out the crunch with their fruit chew. Let’s not forget the coconut. Toast it if you’d like. It will slightly toast in the oven. I went with shredded sweetened coconut to ensure the flavor and sweetness. Once baked and cooled you’ll have a hard time stopping yourself from gobbling up handful after handful. That’s ok. there’s nothing to be ashamed about. This is food and you should enjoy yourself. Don’t let anyone, including yourself, make you feel bad for eating the things you enjoy. Get out there and be a healthier new you.

Ingredients

• 1/3 Cup Honey

• 1/4 Cup Canola Oil

• 3 Cups old fashioned rolled oats

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 Cup pecans

• 1/2 Cup sweetened shredded coconut

• 1/2 Cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 Cup raisins

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

2. Combine the honey and canola oil in a small container

3. In a large mixing bowl thoroughly mix the oats, salt, cinnamon, pecans, and coconut to combine

4. Pour in the honey and canola oil mixture and mix to evenly coat all of the dried ingredients

5. Spread the mixture evenly on a parchment lined baking sheet

6. Bake for 30 minutes

7. Remove from the oven and spread the dried cranberries and raisins on top

8. Let cool for at least 45 minutes and then break into clumps

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