Tea Leaf Granola

I first got the idea to do this from Caitlin’s blog, but she used peppermint tea which is totally not my thing.  But I made a mental note to revisit the idea when my current granola stash ran out.  And serendipitously enough, the very next day I received an email from Andy, the founder of Plum Deluxe tea.  They make organic fair trade loose leaf teas with interesting combinations and blends.  You all know, I’m a tea lover, so obviously I was totally on board to try them out and share my thoughts with you guys.

Chai is my favorite ever, and I’ve been drinking that one plain with a splash of coconut milk now that the weather decided to get Fall like.  It’s the best of the three I think.

I like the Mindful Morning Black tea a lot too, but I don’t do much caffeine so it’s been on the back burner until I’m not nursing quite as much.

And then there was the pumpkin.

Oooooo…such a seasonal treat!  This one smelled good enough to eat, so why not?

Pumpkin and Coconut Tea Leaf Granola [gluten free, soy free, dairy free, vegan]

• 1/2 cup whole rolled oats
• 1/2 cup quinoa flakes
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/3 cup flax meal
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1 tbsp pumpkin tea (loose leaf or removed from bag)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 3 tbsp coconut oil
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tbsp NuNaturals liquid stevia
• 1 tbsp vanilla

Directions:

Mix everything in a large bowl.  Spread onto greased baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes.  [Optional: Toss with a spatula and bake for an additional 1-5 minutes to get a more toasty granola]  Let cool completely to keep clusters in tact.

It has a distinct tea flavor which makes it unique and unlike any other granola I’ve ever had.  It’s really cool!  And the combo of pumpkin and coconut is super delicious.  I’m sorry I don’t have fancier photos of it on a bowl of greek yogurt or atop a creamy thick smoothie, but don’t let my amateur photos deter you from making it.  It’s a perfect breakfast or snack, and I’ve been popping clusters in my mouth all day long since it’s on the counter.  Note to self: get it off the counter.