So I’ve been on OkCupid for a little over a month. It’s been an interesting experience to say the least.
In some ways it’s much more like I thought online dating would be. Within minutes of signing up, profile views, likes, and emails began rolling in and haven’t stopped coming in relatively overwhelming amounts. It sometimes feels like a full time job to keep up with the plethora of attention coming my way.
Unfortunately, most of that attention is from some of the worst looking, creepiest men on the face of the planet. Many are about twice my age, have children from previous relationships, and have more tattoos than … I don’t know … someone with a lot of tattoos.
I’m sure there are plenty of good guys on here. Right? I mean there have to be some. I’ve met one who was nice, but we didn’t really click. I’ve talked to many others. Some stop writing me back after awhile, some remove their profiles while we’re emailing. I’m not that scary, am I?
Really, I’m trying to take it all in stride and take it for what it is: a fun and interesting social experience that may or may not lead to something. Whatever happens is okay. I’m just trying to keep an open mind and allow the universe to direct me in whichever direction I’m supposed to go.
Right now that direction is toward more of this Pumpkin Spice Granola. Like everyone else, I am firmly on the pumpkin spice EVERYTHING train. But this granola may be my favorite. It’s healthy – packed with plant protein, spices, and good for you fats. But it tastes like such an indulgence.
Whether you add this gluten free granola to a smoothie, milk, or just eat it as is, you’ll love it too. Plus, feel free to mix it up by adding whatever nuts and dried fruit you have on hand and love. It’ll turn out a lot better than online dating 🙂
Pumpkin Spice Granola
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats (gluten free, if necessary)
- 1 cup flaked unsweetened coconut
- ¾ cup uncooked quinoa
- ¾ cup raw unsalted pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup raw unsalted walnuts
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- ¾ cup almond butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 2/3 cup honey
- 1 cup dried fruit (I used sweet cherries and jumbo raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a large bowl, stir together oats, coconut, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Add oil, almond butter, vanilla bean paste, and honey and stir to combine.
- Spread into an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Sprinkle with dried fruit. Allow to cool completely on the pan.
- Break into pieces and store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Mmmm! I’ve heard both successful experiences and horror stories when it comes to online dating. Thankfully, granola is ALWAYS good unlike some of those dating sites 🙂
Tattoos might mean they are chefs! Hah! This granola sounds delightful!
1. I thought I had tried everything and I mean e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g pumpkin. Nope. Clearly and sadly I missed this one – I will be making it soon – sounds absolutely delicious!
2. Your take on dating/online dating is hilarious. You’re a very gifted writer. Perhaps when the un or less-tattooed, not creepy, right age, no kids man comes along all this “research” will make its way into a book or on the big screen!
Thank you so much, Bernie! That is such a nice complement since writing is my biggest passion. And, no way am I waiting for the right man to write about all the wrong ones 😉
The stories of your dating experience would make a great book! But I can’t wait until one turns into a relationship! And I would love to try this granola!! Looks sooooo good….