Coconut Mango Granola... it's for Muffin.

Angels really do walk among us, but sometimes even they need a little help.

Are you familiar with photographer extraordinaire, Kita of Pass the Sushi and Girl Carnivore??  If not, you should be.  Miss Kita is truly one of those angels.

If my son were a food blog reader I know he'd have a huge crush on Kita as her recipes bring mouthwatering responses to all who view her stunning photos, and her writing will have you smiling as you read along.  But her blogs, fabulous as they are, aren't what make her an angel.

Photo Credit: Kita, Pass the Sushi

You see, Kita is adopting a beautiful pup named Muffin.  Muffin (she's about 5), like many pups, craves belly rubs and really wants to be a lap dog even though she's a tad too big.  She has bright, smiling eyes and is working on loving humans again.

Not too long ago, Muffin was found neglected and abused.  How someone can hurt helpless animals is beyond me, but the pain inflicted on this sweet girl is unbelievable.  I'm not in on the whole story, but I know the raw sores on her face were caused by chemicals thrown on her, and her road to recovery is a long one.  Along with that road comes a mountain of medical bills, and our Angel, Kita, is holding a bake sale to help defray some of the costs.

Muffin is all smiles!  Photo Credit: Kita, Pass the Sushi

Won't you help??

Some of the biggest names in food blogging are participating in this bake sale and you can be the recipient of some of their incredible baked goods.  For example... did you ever want the esteemed Chef Dennis to bake for you?? Here's your chance.  He's bringing Triple Chocolate Fudge Brownies (yes... triple chocolate!) and they can be all yours.  Or have you ever wanted to be In Katrina's Kitchen??  I have, and she's got some fabulous S'more Cereal Treat Bars that I'm not sure I'd want to share.  Care to stay Gluten Free??  Not a problem... Carolyn from All Day I Dream About Food has a divine GF Chocolate Orange Swirl Bread.  And that's just the tip of the iceberg.  Check out this link for a sneak peak to see what's coming to the auction block and be ready swoon.

Here are the details:

At 8AM (EST) July 17th the Muffins for Muffin Bake Sale will start on PasstheSushi.com. A list of all donated baked goods and cook books will be shown with information next to them. To bid on an item, you will send an email to kita {at} passthesushi.com with the item you are bidding on in the subject line. Minimum bids will start at $15 and all bids after must be $5 higher. Bids will be updated next the item throughout the day, so check back if there is something you are really hoping to win! At the end of bidding, I will email the winning bidders to confirm instructions for payment, and also to retrieve their mailing address for their winnings. Payment will be made via paypal within 24 hours of confirmation (so that I can get your info to the baker asap!). Baked goods will be mailed to winners within one week unless other special arrangements are made or noted.

While Liv Life doesn't have an item up for bid, we did make a granola in Muffin's honor... a wonderfully sweet (just like her) Coconut Mango Granola that Liv dubbed Muffin's Mango Madness - Granola with a Tropical Twist (see below).

Filled with wholesome rolled oats and ground flax meal, the grains are bound together with a brown sugar/coconut oil mixture enhanced with sweet Mango Nectar.  Finished off with a dose of dried mango, slivered almonds and toasted coconut, this granola has the ability to transport you to your favorite tropical place - just imagine those swaying palms and light ocean breezes...

Will we see you at Muffin's Bakesale on July 17th??  I wouldn't miss it!  Help Muffin get the medicine she needs to regain her life with her angel.

Muffin's Mango Madness - Granola with a Tropical Twist
Nicely sweet with a terrific crunch, this coconut mango granola is lovely over yogurt or simply out of hand.
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3 cups rolled oats
6 Tbs ground flax meal
1/4 tsp ground ginger
3 Tbs coconut oil
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup mango nectar
pinch of salt
1/3 - 1/2 cup chopped dried mango
1/3 cup toasted slivered almonds
1/4 cup toasted coconut (we love Trader Joe's new Roasted Coconut Chips... addicting!)
2 Tbs pepitas

Preheat oven to 325ºF.

Measure the oatmeal, flax meal and ginger into a large bowl.  Set aside.

Place a small saucepan on the stove over low heat and add the coconut oil.  Heat until warm and melted, then add the brown sugar and vanilla.  Stir until mixed and turn the heat off.  Add the mango nectar, stirring again to incorporate.

Pour the wet ingredients into the rolled oats and stir until well coated.

Place onto an oiled jelly roll pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.  Place in the pre-heated oven.  Stir after 15 minutes, making sure to incorporate the edges into the center (the edges will brown faster).  Check and stir again after another 7 minutes or so.  At this point our granola needed another 4 minutes to become perfectly browned.  Keep an eye as the granola will go from nicely browned to perfectly burnt in a flash!

Remove granola from oven when nicely browned and immediately add the dried mango, almonds and pepitas.  Give a little stir and allow to cool.  Add the coconut and place in a sealed container.  I've read that homemade granola will last up to 2 weeks, but ours never stays around that long.  Enjoy!

Photo Credit: Kita, Pass the Sushi