Healthy Dad or Not, Granola is Where It's At

By Christina Staalstrom Fri., Jun. 11 2010 at 11:00 AM

Categories: Delectable Deals, Health Food

photo by Christina Staalstrom

Miami is full of health enthusiasts and Matt Pawlik, one of three founders of Mix My Granola, is no exception. An avid triathlete, granola is the fuel that keeps him going through his training and those grueling races. He even has his own blend appropriately called "Matty's Let's get Diesel Mix" which, mixed with some milk may, or may not, ensure a faster pace time.

Fortunately for your dad and those of us who are not so athletically inclined that we view food as fuel, but rather as an exercise in palette stimulation. Mix My Granola lets you indulge your senses under the guise of being "healthy".

Whether your dad is an outdoorsman or just likes lounging outdoors, with over 72 ingredients ranging from goji berries and hemp seeds to gummy bears and candy corn, there truly is something for everyone. A whopping 16 oz container means you can select up to 16 different ingredients (the average is 4), upload dad's best snapshot (or one of you) and insert a special greeting. For example: "Eat this and kick some ass" or " Your child, the doctor, recommends 1 serving per day". All fathers dream and on Father's day you can make his dreams come true.....at least in print.

photo by Christina Staalstrom

If granola is a food your dad sees as something consumed by Birkenstock wearing tourists, go ahead and do what any loving child would do. Make some cookies. That's what I did with my blend. And then ate them with a glass of milk. Even Matt the triathlete can't argue that I am not getting my nutrients.

Get your granola at www.mixmygranola.com today and take advantage of a 10 percent discount to New Times readers. Enter promo code: NEWTIMES2010

Check out the recipe below.

photo by Christina Staalstrom

photo by Christina Staalstrom

Mix My Granola Chocolate Chip cookies

Makes 18 cookies

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 large egg
1 cup granola
3/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 F

Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. Beat together butter, sugars and vanilla in a medium bowl with an electric mixer. When blended, add the egg and beat for additional minute. Using a wooden spoon add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and stir thoroughly. Gradually add in the granola and chocolate chips using the wooden spoon to blend.

Drop 18 mounds of batter about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet (may need 2), and pat them down a little with the back of the spoon to flatten the top. Bake cookies for 13-15 minutes. Cool on the sheet for 1 minute and transfer to a cooling rack. Serve with milk.