My goodness, I’ve been tackling this brunch theme for quite a while now. But no worries! These recipes are helping us ease into spring and by the time we’re done, we’ll be ready to throw one heck of a spring brunch party. And guess what? That’s just what I’m going to do. With a couple recipes still to share and Mother’s Day on the horizon, the timing is perfect!
Whenever I entertain, food is the main priority, but decor…I could use some help in this department. I usually start out brainstorming these fun color schemes and grandiose plans for a theme, but all of this falls to the wayside once I start cooking.
Needless to say, I was delighted when Minted invited me to check out their online marketplace of stationary, party and home décor, art, and custom designed pieces. A lightbulb went on as soon as I found their menu cards. How perfect would these these be for a lovely spring brunch party? I did a search by “Style” and found a few faves that would fit perfectly with the vision I have for this party (think spring, flowers, and pastels!):
I love the modern chic look of the card on the left with the pop of color from the flowers. And the card on the right is so simple and elegant with a vintage feel. Minted also houses a gorgeous collection of party décor. Check out their spring party items. Perfect for a brunch, shower, or garden gathering!
And the icing on the cake? All of the beautiful pieces you see on Minted are sourced from a community of independent artists from all over the world. Click here to read more about Minted’s unique approach to sourcing. And stay tuned to see which Minted piece I choose for my brunch party. Time to get the menu planned!
But not before I share this addicting granola recipe with you! This Banana Coconut Cashew granola pairs the comforting taste of banana bread with the tropical warmth of toasted coconut and roasted cashews.
By the way, did you know that granola is incredibly easy to make? Start with a bowl of dry ingredients (oats, nuts, spices). Then, mix your wet ingredients (natural sweetener, oil, vanilla extract) in a second bowl. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, spread the mixture out on a baking sheet, and pop in the oven. Try out different flavor combinations based on your favorite kinds of nuts, spices, and sweeteners.
This granola is the perfect excuse to save that browning ripe banana from meeting its waste basket fate. Plus, the banana adds natural sweetness to the granola (along with the honey), eliminating the need for any added sugar.
I love this granola as a crunchy topper for my morning oatmeal or yogurt. Or, sometimes I mix it with fresh fruit, almond milk, and a spoonful of any kind of nut butter for a wholesome bowl of cold cereal. Or you could end up eating it by the handful straight out of the jar (likely, but not recommended) because those sweet crunchy clusters are undeniably addicting!
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- ¾ cup cashews, roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup coconut flour (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 banana, mashed
- 2 tbs coconut oil, melted
- ⅓ cup honey
- ½ tsp coconut extract (optional)
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, cashews, coconut flour, and salt.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, coconut oil, honey, and coconut extract.
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture over the dry ingredients.
- Using a large spoon or spatula, stir the mixture until the oats and cashews are evenly coated.
- Spread the granola mixture out evenly on a large nonstick baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for about 45 minutes. Check on the granola every 15 minutes and give it a quick stir with a large spoon. Let the granola rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information (per serving) from Caloriecount.about.com
Calories: 182 Fat: 8.5g Carb: 24.4g Fiber: 3.3g Protein: 3.9g Sugar 8.8g Sodium: 49mg
Weight Watchers Points (calculated on member website)
WW: 5 Points Plus
Spring Brunch Recipes:
Peanut Butter, Banana, and Bacon Baked Oatmeal
Spaghetti Squash and Meatball Frittata
Asparagus, Strawberry, and Quinoa Caprese Salad
Italian Butternut Squash Quiche
Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Pancake Sliders
Hi! I'm Krista, a self-proclaimed vegetable lover who likes to put a creative spin on healthy cooking. Here you'll find a variety of lightened up recipes using fresh and wholesome ingredients! 
Yum! I love a good batch of home made granola and often make it. Never added banana in before so this is a must try combination for me.
Banana is such a great addition to granola. Your whole kitchen will smell like banana bread 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
Could you please tell me the keeping time for this? Can it be stored in the pantry? Thanks. 🙂
Hi Jaya – It will keep in an airtight container in the pantry for about 2 weeks. You could store it in the fridge or pantry. Hope you make this granola. It’s divine!
Hey Krista! I love this recipe, that gorgeous stationary, and your blog. All very inspiring:-)))
Thank you very much Lisa!! Just signed up to follow your blog –Your recipes look amazing and so innovative!
Thank you Krista! I signed up for yours as well. It’s nice to connect with you – it can be lonely out here in blogland and I am realizing how important it is to make virtual friends and create community w/other foodies.
Absolutely! I agree. Looking forward to chatting with you more!
Simply love how bright and colourful your photos are!!!!
Louis
Delishogram.com
Thank you so much Louise! I enjoyed perusing Delishogram. I’ll need to start submitting soon 🙂