Ahhh, this Monday feels good. I think a weekend full of SMILES and hearing what made you SMILE brought me back to my FOCAL POINT. Smiling truly is contagious, just a small grin can bring so much light into someone’s day or even your day.
I think Katelyn said it best with her comment….
And you know what? It really does work! I think that’s how you know it’s a genuine act. Your heart can convince your mind to feel better. Amen to that!
So this led me to think more about the “genuineness” in life.
I know you’ve seen the LOVE GROWN granola before? It’s buzzing all around! I love this company. They really are so GENUINE! In fact, you can read their story HERE!
So when Laura from LOVE GROWN contacted me about trying out their Gluten Free product, I was genuinely excited! Are you getting sick of me saying genuine yet? hehe!
A gluten free granola with ingredients I liked, ingredients that were fresh, ingredients that tasted GOOD!
Well, you know me. I just had to get in the kitchen and put it to the test. Oh yes, get excited!
“Granocca” Muffin Clusters
Recipe adapted from here:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups granola
- ½ cup GLUTEN FREE all-purpose flour (one heaping ½ cup)
- ½ cup Garbanzo/Chick Pea Flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp. sea salt
- 5oz milk (I used unsweetened coconut milk)
- ⅓ cup cooled, melted butter (I used KerryGold but you can use Earth Balance for Vegans)
- Sweetener of choice (1 tbsp. NuNaturals stevia baking sugar. You could also use ⅓ cup regular brown sugar or agave nectar)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten (Vegans can use 1 tbsp. flaxseed and 3 tbsp. water mixed)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare 12 cup muffin pans with paper liners. I actually used both mini muffin liners and large ones. But the batter is thick enough for 12 regular muffins.
In a large bowl, stir together the granola, flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. In another bowl, stir together the milk, butter, egg/flax, and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the granola flour mixture, and mix just enough to combine ingredients. Should be a little clumpy. Try not to overmix.
Use a spoon to scoop batter into the muffin cups approximately ⅔ full. Bake at 400F for about 20 minutes.
These cupcakes made me smile today 🙂 they look soooo good!!!
oh what a nice guy! Its good to hear that people are still so giving! Thanks Claire! Lindsay CotterNutrition Manager & Fitness [email protected] www.cottercrunch.com ________________________________
A genuine act hmm?? Let me think about this one…. Oh! I was paying at a thrift store in only change (lol I had a lot of it and the total was like $3) and the guy behind me goes "Do you have enough? Here, I can help you out." I turned him down, because yes I had enough, but it was nice of him to offer.
I like how she had to bake a bunch of times to perfect her recipe. Practice makes perfect!!
oh so true! What a great coach. And ballroom dancing?? Is that what you compete in? If so, you are amazing!! I would love to have that talent.Cheers Kelsey! Lindsay ________________________________
My favorite thing about their story is how they're just a health-conscious, young, fun couple! They seem so real, which is awesome.
Liked on Facebook!
Granocca? That is so cool! I've been wanting to try that granola forever. When genuine thing I've seen recently… my ballroom coach really believes in me and is always talking about how "I have what it takes." He wants to make me the best I can be so I can be ready for my comp in May! It's really nice to have someone believe that much in you, especially when it's hard to believe in yourself. 😛
oh what an awesome gesture! I love it when people surprise you with their kindness. What a good day! Lindsay ________________________________
Yesterday when I was parking to go take a test I was waiting in line to pay for a parking pass which cost 6$ for 1 hour a girl came over and handed me her day pass saying she was leaving and I could have it, blew me away 🙂
and twitter
im following on facebook
cheryl,that is so sweet of you. I love it when people do that. So genuine, kind, and all things that this world needs!! Lindsay CotterNutrition Manager & Fitness Consultantwww.cottercrunch.com ________________________________
Today I paid for the person behind me drink at Starbucks..
Follow Love Grown Foods on twitter
I like how they are a young couple working together!!
oh totally! Its a good thing too because she came up with perfect recipe!!! Lindsay CotterNutrition Manager & Fitness [email protected] www.cottercrunch.com ________________________________
I like how Maddy had to bake and bake in the kitchen until she got the perfect recipe. Reminds me of those bossy kitchen ladies who don't want anyone coming in their way! haha
and it tastes the same way! So fresh and wholesome. 🙂 Lindsay CotterNutrition Manager & Fitness [email protected] www.cottercrunch.com ________________________________
I love that Love Grown granola is made from genuine ingredients! No fake food-like substances here!
ahh good. its been a month of mushiness. maybe I should give it up for lent, haha! Lindsay ________________________________
haha- my favorite thing about their site is their "Our Team" page. Go read it. Hilarious and wonderful! You can tell it's a family company that actually takes care (and cares about!) their employees! That is one company I'm definitely motivated to buy from!
Hello Love Muffin! YUMMMERS. Wow. Those look incredible! How could we ever be sick of your positivity posts?!?! Crazy little you… keep 'em coming!
I had to hide a few just so my hubs wouldn't eat them all….in one sitting! Pretty addicting! Lindsay ________________________________
you gotta get these muffins liners…..so brilliant. ANd of course, super cute! Lindsay ________________________________
oh yes, flare is the right word. Or spunky! Its so good to hear from you friend!! How training? Lindsay ________________________________
Those muffins look absolutely tasty, and happy. They have a certain flare to them. Nice work!
I didn't end up getting to meet her – timing issues!
oh please come visit! I would love. How about a spring break? hehe. Oh and I can't find you on twitter anymore or your blog. Is it just me? weird.Hope you are doing well! Lindsay ________________________________
I think being genuine is one of the most important qualities a person can have. I especially love when companies are genuine too! Those granoccas look so good. Can I come visit you and bake for like a week, you can teach me all of your awesome gluten free/healthy baking tips! Going to check out the site now 🙂
you are so pretty! I love your colorful muffin liners aswell! Your granocca muffins look really good!
Those bite size balls of yumminess look dangerous to my compulsive eating habits:)
Girl you gotta check this out. I'm pretty sure you'd be on board with this recipe.http://www.pure2raw.com/2011/03/finally-our-first-socca-video/And I love that you smile from the heart with the kitties. I want to see pictures, I bet its priceless!;) Lindsay ________________________________
you are genius! another recipe that would fit nicely into my jersey pocket!
OK I know I'm a delinquent blog reader but what the heck is socca? My hubby tells me that my most 'genuine' smiles are when I'm with the kitties. I totally believe that. My soul smiles around my babies. I love the photos of you with your friend and the little one 🙂 so cute!
Barbara, you are so right! They are endearing. They inspire me with my small business. so genuine! Lindsay ________________________________
Oh thats wonderful to hear, and so refreshing! We need to act like that everyday, ya know? Thankd for sharing this Haley. 🙂 Lindsay CotterNutrition Manager & Fitness [email protected] www.cottercrunch.com ________________________________
well i go to school in south orange county so many of the kids are stuck up. but today, somebody dropped their notebook and their papers flew everywhere. I thought that people would just walk by. But instead, two other students stopped and helped. it was refreshing to see 🙂
I am now following LoveGrown Foods on twitter 🙂
I love that LoveGrown Foods is healthy and affordable! Too many products today that are healthy are so expensive
Thank you for the comment on my blog! it was so nice of you and appreciated. I love that they are a "team" and a couple and you can tell they love each other and are committed. It is so endearing! Your smiles are gorgeous, and your muffins look great!Barbara
Love the smiles here! :)Your blog always makes me want to bake something yummy. Those muffin liners are so cute!
me too! fun class time. haha. Such a cool story. I hope to make my small business like that. From the ground up! Lindsay ________________________________
Oh you got to meet her, right? How cool! And I love that you work with your hubby. I kinda do too! He's the athlete (pro) and I am his cook, does that count? haha.Granola is the best to cook with, for real! Lindsay Cott________________________________
Is it sad that I had no idea that you could cook with granola?! My favorite part of the the Love Grown story is that they are a couple and they work together. I work with my husband and it's a decision that changed my life forever. I could not turn back. To see that they have the same commitment is really nice and heartwarming! 🙂
Ahhhh I LOVE your muffin cups- they definitely BRIGHTEN my day 😉 mmmmm what a combination of flavors that you described those muffins with- they all sound SO good…making my stomach grumble & I just ate lunch! haha :)I had no idea they made gluten free granola! HOW cool is that?!And their story is so cool- I would of loved to be in one of their classes for frees samples 😉
Ya, I think peanutflour would work instead of the granola. And coconut flour instead of the all purpose. Totally worth a shot! let me know how they turn out. 🙂 Lindsay ________________________________
oh that so true, it builds confidence. I love your insights Kath. And thank you for that smile. Tee-hee! Lindsay ________________________________
This muffin recipe looks awesome! Do you think I could use Peanut Flour or Coconut Flour instead of the All Purpose? and possibly in place of the granola?
They must really respect your lifestyle, and that is a very good compliment! I think I would agree with that too! you are an inspiration.Cheers! Lindsay ________________________________
thats the best kind….when the heart smiles! I love that shannon! So cool.:) Lindsay ________________________________
totally agree! I love the random phone calls. It means so much! Lindsay ________________________________
do it! Just so you can say granocca! hehe. I'm a little too fascinated with that word now. 😉 Lindsay ________________________________
kids are so genuine, they really say it like it is. I bet you get lots of love from them too! Youre a wonderful mother. So caring! Lindsay ________________________________
its not silly at all! Its called manners, which are kind of lost these days. I love that too! It makes us feel like women. Hope your day is going better friend.:) Lindsay ________________________________
and you know kids really mean what they say, thats why is means so much to us! I love that your nephew blew a kiss. too cute!!Lindsay ________________________________
oh your niece is just precious! I would have said the same thing to you! hehe! And I probably would have hugged you for 10 minutes. I love my janae! Lindsay ________________________________
hehe, let me know what you come up with for the sentence! Lindsay ________________________________
It's good to have such a supportive family. God takes care of us through our family sometimes, ya know? I'm so happy you have that! Hope your husband gets better soon. 🙂 Lindsay ________________________________
My husband recently found out he is getting discharged early (due to an injury) from the Air Force. I reached out to my family and vented about how stressed I was — I'm halfway through nursing school, I just got laid off, etc — and immediately half of my family offered to send money (which I refused) and the other half offered to rent out parts of their homes to us very very cheaply when we move in May. And then I cried in my school library. haha
Once again a STELLAR recipe and I can't wait to make it, thanks! Also, fun word granocca, I will try to use it in a conversation today…
I think you can tell by my Mushy Mondays that I emote all over the place and I love reading other people emote! 🙂 haha!I love Love Grown granola. LOVE. I love that you can tell that they are passionate about what they do and the product they make! That's so rare nowadays!
DON'T CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOUR POSTS!!! I LOVE GUSHINESS!!! Girl, you are so beautiful and your smile is the most genuine, bright, inviting smile I have ever seen!!! Your gluten free goodies always make me DROOL!!! The most genuine thing……my little niece gave me like a five minute hug to thank me for babysitting….it makes me tear up thinking about it!! Have an amazing day and I think you are the bomb.com!!
I also love your muffin cups – so colorful and bright!I talked with my 2 year old nephew on Sunday via skype – it is amazing how much his smile turned my bad day around. He blew me a kiss and I just about melted.
as silly as it sounds, but i really am a sucker for those who hold doors open for each other, who give up their seats on public transportation, who say "thank you" and "you're welcome". those should be EVERY DAY expected things that people just do… but i think those little gestures have gotten lost over the years, so when i witness those little kind acts, they make me smile.
I love that the LGF creators are young and passionate and actually doing what they believe in. I wish them much success!
I get genuine smiles daily from my two munchkins. It's more of a matter of me stopping to appreciate them and live in their moment.
How yummy! I recently bought chickpea flour in order to try making socca…but, as usual, have yet to get around to it. I kind of want to make these granocca treats instead, now. 🙂
Oh snap, and I love how these people are wellness FREAKS! 😀 😀 😀 They look like they grab life by the horns and TAKE IT DOWN!
I think then genuine acts come in big and small packages. A card, a smile, a random phone call, someone letting you into traffic after you've been trying to turn onto a road for five minutes…all these things make my day. My Mommy is definitely a 'Random Act of Kindness' Superhero. A card in the mail, just for a smile. 🙂
Following them on FB. 😀
OOOOO I actually have everything in the house at the moment to make those! Bring.it.on!
I had an awesome, genuine evening with a friend of mine last night, left my heart smiling!
Ah LGF is really exploding all over the blogosphere and I love it! They deserve all the Love and it's been fun to see people swoon over such an amazing product 🙂 A genuine act that happened to me – a coworker/friend came to me saying that her friend needed some help with marathon training + nutrition, and she thought I was the person to go to! It made my day, and made for some great conversation/ideas 🙂
I believe that smiling is not only cntaguous, but also makes you happy via change in body feeling. It's the same like when standing upright, in a good position – you immediately feel more confident. Yay for smiling! 🙂 (<< There, one for you!)
oh well I feel the same way. Your smile is contagious and i see such joy and passion in your posts! Not to mention the food pics, gahhh!! YUM!Those are reuseable liners, I'm a little obsessed with them! I think its the color. hehe!Cheers Megan! Lindsay ________________________________
well I think you did a really heartfelt act that ANYONE should appreciate. Giving from the heart is definitely genuine! Lindsay ________________________________
Yes, I was hoping to sell my healthy bites at the farmers market soon. Its a small venue but I like it cause its so close to me. You should come take a look! And I totally want an Elby too.:) Lindsay ________________________________
oh awesome! I think I feed off your mojo too! Great minds think alike ya know? 😉 Lindsay ________________________________
Oh yes, the cocoa is quite delicious! I bet you could use your homemade cereal in this recipe. Just crush it first. I thought about using Brown Rice Crispies as well. Hmm….another idea brewing. Cheers HEAB! Lindsay ________________________________
I know, grassroots is awesome! I love companies like that! Thanks for sharing Jenny. Lindsay CotterNutrition Manager & Fitness [email protected] www.cottercrunch.com ________________________________
Eden,Thats one of the main reasons I started reading your blog…..nothing fake, all real, all the time. LOVE IT! Definitelu Lindsay CotterNutrition Manager & Fitness [email protected] www.cottercrunch.com ________________________________
Cards really say more than words. They are thoughtful and like you said, genuine. I keep those kind of cards forever. 🙂 Lindsay ________________________________
A new friend of mine was kind enough to bake and send me brownies a while back… that really meant a lot to me. I also bought so food that I wouldn't eat last week. I gave it a homeless guy the other day. Don't know if he appreciated it, but I felt good. Would love to try that granola!
I love that they are taking the Love all around the US in the Elby!
Oh, and I follow them on FB and Twitter!
You are brilliant… these look magnificent!!! Do you ever go to the Steiner Ranch farmer's market? I was thinking about possibly hitting it up! 🙂
I can comment again!! I don't know what the deal was with yesterday…not my favorite. Once again your posts just always make me so happy. I love how positive you are darling. You happy smiley pictures remind me of how much I love my fam too, and I just love that! Yummy muffin recipe…and are those reusable liners…Um…darling. xoxoxo
You my friend are too cute and so is your darling little niece! What is this granola??? It looks fab!Your recipes totally get my mojo going! They are so simple and so healthy!xxoo
So sad that my granola is all gone – otherwise, I'd be making this recipe tomorrow. No need to enter me in the giveaway as I've already experienced the love. Best granola ever! The cocoa flavor? "Wow" is all I have to say.
I received a fabulous, heartfelt card from someone I look up to a great deal and am inspired by. Looking at it right now 😉
I like them on Fb too 🙂
I am ready to buy stock in your baked goods! Following them on twitter!
These look delicious! I love that they combined thier passions into one!
I am pretty darn clever, aren't I :PI think I just like be genuine on my blog. Not everyone agrees or likes it, but its me and I wouldn't have it any other way.
For something genuine, I just love all the genuine & fun comments I get on my posts. Makes my day!
haha I hope to win a giveaway of your healthy bites someday! I acctually dont have a blog, I dont think I would be able to keep up with it right now but someday I will definitly have one!
I love that they started their business based on both of their passions… business & health!
I love that their business was truly a grassroots start! Surveying/sampling classmates, I love it!
I love your genuinely mushy posts girlfriend! I dig it! You always inspire me. I look forward to seeing your blog go "bold" in my google reader, signaling a new post is waiting for me. You are my favorite (well, you and Heather tie for first – my two favorite bloggy friends!) 🙂
oh im sure you will!! I will definitly by them 🙂 And you already have a great testimony through your blog!
I'm addicted to color and anything minature! hehe. Gonna save a muffin for WIAW!! Lindsay ________________________________
I admire that drive and passion too! Something that I'd like to do as well with my small business. And I knew you'd like the little socca love in these muffins. I'm on a socca kick for sure! How are the sprouted chickpeas? Lindsay ________________________________
Girl you know those muffins were inspiration for you! Love your creations. Hope you got some down time this weekend! Lindsay ________________________________
me too! I hope to have a story like that with my healthy bites some day. Such inspiration! How's the body feeling today? I'm still just so freakin excited for you!!! Lindsay ________________________________
I knew you'd like those ingredients. Very allergy friendly! Lindsay ________________________________
Oh Kate I am so glad to brighten your day. It makes me smile. It so important for us to be that light, ya know? Mental and physical health! Cheers to you and your man. Hope you had a great weekend! Lindsay ________________________________
hehe, sarah I love you! Thanks for putting up with my mushiness! Hope your day was full of genuineness!:) Lindsay ________________________________
yes, I hope I can one day have a story like that with my healthy bites. So inspiring! Lindsay ________________________________
thank you rebecca! I know I've been extra mushy lately, but at least its real. ha! I love that you are real with me! Cheers.p.s.Hope youre watching the bachelor girls tell all right now! LOVE IT! Lindsay ________________________________
Your amazing!!! These muffins look incredible!!! YUM YUM I want one right now 🙂
I'm following them on facebook
I'm definitely going to make those Granocca muffins! Alex and Maddy's story is so great. I really like that they just followed their dream right from the beginning, and didn't let society convince them they shouldn't take risks!
haha, I know. Its kinda catchy. Hope your Monday ended well friend! Lindsay ________________________________
you are so wise Katelyn, I just love it! and i know you will create some kind of gorgeous bowl of goodness with this granola. Can't wait!Thanks again for your words of wisdom!Hugs, Lindsay ________________________________
I'm glad you like my mushy posts Nicole. I think you are very genuine, even as a CA girl. hehe! Lindsay ________________________________
Ah, I wish they sold that in my area! I want to try it so badly, the ingredients are so lovely and perfect. Your muffins look scrumptious, too!
oh I hope you are picking him and hugging right now as I am typing this! This just makes my day Sarena! Lindsay ________________________________
now thats a genuine comment! I love it! I hope she stays your trainer for a long time!:) Lindsay ________________________________
We totally need a new picture. lets make that happen soon! thanks again for being so encouraging friend. Hugs! Lindsay ________________________________
I think Maddy and Alex's story is great. I love it when people start companies like this from the heart.
I think Maddy and Alex's story is great. I love it when people start companies like this from the heart.
Oh yum! I'm going to start with a genuine act – YOU. That package I got Saturday was simply too special for words. You're the best!
Oh yum! I'm going to start with a genuine act – YOU. That package I got Saturday was simply too special for words. You're the best!
These look fabulous! I love that you put these little granola packed goodies in cute colorful muffin holders =) so cute!xoXOxoJenn @ Peas & Crayons
p.s. we need a new picture. haha.
Those muffins look delish!!!!!I loved this post! =D
You make me smile! Cheesy and all – we both have our moments. 😉 These granocca muffins look so tasty! I love their texture. You know I have my own stash of Love Grown Granola, so I'm exempt from this giveaway. xo
Love this! Such a great comment from Katelyn!Awesome story 🙂 I think it is very good business they have going and that they truely are doing what they love!Following them on FB!Gosh, not really a genuine "act" per-say but I am so touched by this… my trainer told me that no matter what happens she will always be there for me and support every choice I make for my future!Nope! I love your posts and giveaways!
The genuine act is about to happen for me! My husband's plane just landed and I am about to go pick him up! After four days of being apart…you won't be able to slap the smile off my face when I get to hug him!I am glad you are feeling better. I completely agree that laughter is contagious. Kids are great for bringing a smile to your face…you just have to let it happen! Have a great night my friend!
I followed them on facebook!
There story is super cute. There team seems so energetic too! I love stories like these, it reminds me of the Bearnaked story, although I don't think they are an item. I love the love/food story!
Great story! Wouldn't that be cool to make a living doing what you love? So great! Thanks for the heads up on this yummy looking granola.I'm following them on facebook and twitter : )I live in CA, we don't do genuine. JK. I wear my heart on my sleeve so I'm always genuine whether you like it or not, heehee.I'll never get sick of your mushy posts :DNicole
Girl they just sent me some too! Got it today and it is SO good. I am so happy that my comment brightened your day!! Bird is a wonderful friend, and you are a beautiful person, and these muffins look SO darn good! Why did I not think of making muffins with their granola?!
well you ….being the granola chronicles, will definitely like it! I'm sure you will fix up something fancy too! Can't wait! Lindsay ________________________________
i love saying the word granocca. i think i'm going to just randomly insert it into sentences from now on, that the best part of the story 😉
I follow them on twitter.
Well I feel I shouldn't enter the giveaway – I was contacted last week by Laura and some granola is on its way! :)This post is making me anxious to get mine in the mail! Lovely muffin recipe – mmm!
Your posts seriously make my day, so first off, thank you for being you. Secondly, receiving a Skype call from my best friend who's over in Israel GENUINELY made my day. The fact that she even thought to take the time to do such a thing gave me warm fuzzy feelings!! I genuinely love and value true friendships.
I love how it is a strong young couple working together to help people stay healthy and eat well!!
I love how they're so young, but have this amazing product & business!
Those little bites look delicious… I love your posts they always brighten my day and make me think. And im following love grown foods on fb and twitter def want to try out their products!
Their story is so wonderful! What a cute couple with an awesome idea! I love it. and I'm never sick of your mushy posts!