Ah, Sundays—the day where a simple, glowy beauty routine is mandatory, iced coffee tastes better, and the world seems to move just a little slower. With colder weather creeping into Austin, TX this week, I find myself preparing for those “just-in-case” moments when life might slow down even more.

Here in Texas, cold weather can throw everything into chaos—ice storms, snow, and an electrical grid that’s definitely not winning any awards. Let’s be real: we don’t have the roads, the gear, or the homes built for it. So when the forecast whispers “winter weather,” I take it as my cue to nest, but in a cozy, positive way. That’s where this granola recipe comes in.

I wanted to whip up something versatile and delicious to snack on if things get quiet.

This week, I turned to one of my favorite YouTubers, Kevin Lee Jacobs, and his amazing granola recipe. It’s simple, adaptable, and makes enough to last for days (or until Monday, depending on how snacky you’re feeling). Of course, I added my own southern twist—because a girl from South Alabama just can’t resist adding pecans!

Why Tierra Farms? Because Small Batch + Compostable Packaging = My Love Language

Before we dive into the recipe, let me give a shoutout to my ingredient heroes: Tierra Farms. Every nut, seed, and dried fruit I used came from their small-batch, mindful operation. Why do I love them?

• Small Batch Goodness: The freshness is next level. Their products taste like they were roasted just for you (because they kind of were).
• Eco-Friendly Vibes: Compostable packaging? Yes, please. Snacking without the guilt feels good in more ways than one.
• Supporting Small Business: I’ve shared this before, but I’m focusing on spending my dollars with care. Tierra Farms embodies the kind of thoughtful, community-oriented business I love to support.

Granola and Glow?

I’m not the perfect eater, but by golly, I try! This granola is a small way I nourish myself with wholesome ingredients that make me feel good inside and out. Packed with nuts, seeds, and healthy fats, it’s full of the vitamins and antioxidants that help keep your skin glowing and your energy steady (even if you eat half the jar while binging your favorite show—no judgment!).

Kevin Lee Jacobs’ Granola Recipe (With My Southern Twist)

Kevin’s recipe is a “throw-it-all-together-and-look-like-a-genius” kind of situation, which is my favorite way of cooking. Here’s where I went rogue:

• Pecans: This South Alabama-raised gal had to add pecans! Heck, my mother worked at a pecan factory when I was a kid, so it’s basically in my DNA. They add the perfect nutty crunch and a touch of nostalgia.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: Once the granola cools, I mix in some mini chocolate chips (as many as you like) because who doesn’t love a little chocolatey crunch? When I do this, I skip the berry mix to keep the flavors simple and sweet.
• Brown Sugar: I add a touch of brown sugar (about 1/4 cup) because I like my granola a little chunky, and this does the trick. Plus, it gives the granola a warm, caramelized flavor that’s irresistible.

Want the original recipe? Read below.

• 4 cups Tierra Farm organic rolled oats
• 1 cup Tierra Farm organic shredded coconut
• 1 cup Tierra Farm organic unsalted hazelnuts
• 1 cup of Tierra Farm organic salted pumpkin seeds
• 3/4 cup Tierra Farm organic coconut oil
• 1/3 cup Tierra Farm organic pure maple syrup
• 1 1/2 tsp. Tierra Farm organic ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 cups Tierra Farm organic Very Berry Mix

Instructions:

1. Adjust oven rack to lower middle position; preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Add the oats, shredded coconut, hazelnuts and pumpkin seeds into a large bowl. Stir to combine. Then stir in the melt coconut oil, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt. Stir thoroughly.
2. Line bake sheet with parchment paper. Pour the granola onto the sheet, spread evenly. Bake until golden browned–25 minutes.
3. Take out of the oven and allow to cool.
4. Add Very Berry Mix and stir.
5. Add to an air tight container.
6. Enjoy!

Promise me you won’t skimp on the good stuff when you’re making it.

How to Store your Granola

And here’s a little Southern gal confession: I like to store my granola in a trusty 7-cup glass Ball jar. There’s something so satisfying about seeing those golden chunks stacked neatly in a classic jar—simple, timeless, and just a little bit charming. It’s my go-to for keeping things fresh and feeling organized (even if I’m anything but).

How to Enjoy Your Granola

This granola is a total chameleon. Here’s how you can use it:

• Pour over your favorite plant milk for a cozy breakfast.
• Sprinkle onto yogurt for a quick, satisfying snack.
• Eat it straight out of the jar when you need a sweet, crunchy pick-me-up. (It’s also great by the handful during Netflix marathons—just saying.)

Sundays and Snacks

For me, Sundays are about creating calm amidst the chaos and enjoying the little things—like the smell of homemade granola trailing through the kitchen. Whether you’re nesting for a potential cold snap or just indulging in a slow day, this granola is the perfect best friend.

So, grab your ingredients, channel your inner Kevin Lee Jacobs, and give it a go! I’d love to hear how you tweak it to make it your own. Pecans? Coconut flakes? Maybe a drizzle of melted chocolate? The possibilities are endless.

Here’s to slow Sundays, warm kitchens, and snacks that make winter a little brighter. 💛

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