Homemade Matcha Granola
When I was much younger I used to be afraid of doing things alone, I would be grasp someone to accompany me in doing anything - just to be safe. Does this ring a bell? But as I slowly move forward on this journey of life, I find myself trying things I never expected myself to do. Submitting my portfolio for Maggie Austin was one of them; I realised we just have to embrace whatever that comes our way, be it good or bad. and I know its always easier said than done, but every time you accomplish something. That feeling is overwhelming - at least for me. This week of work was a little more tiring but the tougher it gets, the more I get to practice and the better it gets I suppose. For now - morning breakfast milk with Matcha Granola, strawberries, semi sweet chocolate and NYC planning!
"It is hard work, though not everyone will acknowledge that. But if you love it? It's worth every single moment."
I made this jar of granola for only one reason - I didn't want to starve for breakfast when I reach Virginia. Yes you read it right. It may sound stupid or funny but I wasn't very sure what was around me before I came, of course I can read it up on websites but it is always not as accurate as it is when you experience the environment yourself here, it's always good to have a back up? I'm so glad that my neighbourhood is really quiet and calm, and I found a 24 hours grocery store just 10 minutes walk away from my little apartment.
Another tick off bucket list - 10km jog in the States. Last Sunday I went for a jog all the way to King Street to and fro my apartment (I have no idea how far it was initially, I only knew I wanted to reach King Street, but it ended a perfect 10.02km on my Nike running app) the moment I reached was more than satisfying. It is a beautiful street lined up with old school brick houses and cute little cottages, pretty similar to Georgetown. I don't even find it awkward in my work out clothes when most of the people were dressed up, shopping, Sunday brunch, because of the exercising community. What are tired legs when you were greeted with smiles by runners and families cycling on the way? :) Oh and did I mention the weather was perfect? I love Fall. The chilly breeze accompanied with the gentle warmth of the Sun. P-E-R-F-E-C-T. I close my eyes and faced the sky, the only 2 words that was repeating through my mind were: Thank you.
I love this because I'm a big fan of Matcha. Unlike other tea, you do not consume the whole leaf, but for matcha, you sip even more free-radical fighters. Jessica Lloyd, co-founder and COO of matcha green tea company PanatΔa said, "It's very smooth and full-bodied, almost with a touch of sweetness." The dried cranberries lent a good touch of sweetness to this bowl of crunch.
Homemade Green Tea/ Matcha Granola
(Makes a jar)
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup of mixed nuts (roughly mixed pistachios & almond nuts)
1/3 cup chia seeds
2 tablespoon powdered matcha
2-3 tablespoon olive oil
4-5 tablespoon Honey
a pinch of salt
1 cup of dried cranberries
Directions
Preheat the oven to 160C. Line the baking sheet with patchment/ baking paper.
Mix the rolled oats, matcha powder, mixed nuts, chia seeds & dried cranberries (you can choose to add the cranberries after the whole batch is baked too). Wet ingredients in another bowl, stir well. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry one and give it a good mix, make sure all is honey- coated fairly well.
Pop into the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, depending on your oven (mine's get hot really quickly so lesser time, it may take more or less time for yours, monitor it well - as long as it doesn't turn too brown. But if that's what you like, of course you're more than welcomed to do so. ;)
Enjoy!
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