As the old adage goes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, particularly if you want to kick off with a health and wellness boost – and who doesn’t, frankly? So, of course, it’s important to make good nutritional choices. And, if we can do that while also supporting small businesses and being mindful of our beautiful planet, well, why wouldn’t we do that?

And as healthy choices go, we’re never going to go far wrong with a good ol’ bowl of granola or muesli. And here at BALANCE, we’re fans of Lizi’s. So why would that be, pray tell? For starters, unlike some granola brands, Lizi’s products are all suitable for vegan diets (they use treacle rather than the usual honey to bind the oats, y’see). They’re also high in fibre and they are glycaemic load (GL) tested, which means they don’t impact our blood sugar levels but leave us feeling pumped up and ready to take on the world (while keeping us full until lunch). 

Lizi’s humble and wholesome beginnings are another appeal. She and her fellow foodie hubby Mick ran a fancy B&B on their organic farm in the middle of Wales, where Lizi made her own homemade granola for their guests. They loved it and told her she should sell it at the local market – one day, she did just that and the rest, as they say, is breakfast history.

Nowadays, they are making morning nutrition – and afternoon, and evening, because there are no granola rules – a whole lot better for a whole lot more of us, with Lizi’s products available from all the big supermarkets (all in brand new, fully recyclable packaging, to boot). The range is huge, and covers all dietary needs. There are granolas and mueslis that are high in protein, others that are low in sugar, and those which are gluten free. There is also their original classic recipe, and there are mueslis that have ingredients to hone in on a different area of your wellbeing – promising to boost, glow, focus or cleanse (or maybe even all of the above). And then there are those that feel altogether more treat-like for days when you want to spoil yourself, because why not? Belgian Chocolate or Passion Fruit and Pistachio Granola, anyone? 

And while we’re on treats, Lizi’s granola, as we’ve already established, isn’t just for breakfast, and is so pleasingly versatile, that it can also be used as a staple ingredient for your favourite bakes. And how’s this for inspiration? Edd Kimber, aka The Boy Who Bakes – who won the very first season of The Great British Bake Off – has joined forces with Lizi’s to create this recipe for No Bake Chocolate Tarts, which is excellent news if a) you’re vegan and b) your baking skills aren’t exactly on point because it’s basically a fridge cake. 

No Bake Chocolate Tarts

INGREDIENTS FOR THE TART CRUST 

– 175g Lizi’s Original Granola

– 80g coconut oil, room temperature

– Pinch of fine sea salt

INGREDIENTS FOR THE VEGAN GANACHE

– 265g dark chocolate, finely chopped

– 50g light brown sugar

– 115ml almond milk  (you can you use any plant based milk for this recipe but almond or coconut milks both have flavours that can compliment chocolate)

METHOD TO MAKE 4

1. To make the crust, place the about 2/3 of the Lizi’s Original Granola into a food processor and process until fine and crumbly. 
2. Add in the remaining granola, the oil and salt and process until everything is evenly combined and the mixture is clumped together. Divide this mixture equally between four loose-bottomed 10cm tart tins and press firmly into the base and up the sides of the tin.
3. Place the tart cases in the fridge while you work on the ganache.
4. Place the chocolate into a bowl and set aside. Add the almond milk and sugar to the pan on a medium heat and gently heat until just steaming. 
5. Pour the hot milk over the chocolate and set aside for a couple minutes before stirring with a whisk until a silky smooth ganache is formed.
6. Pour the ganache into the chilled tart cases and place into the fridge until the ganache has set, which will take at least a couple of hours. 
7. Serve with a little vegan whipped cream or sour cream if you’re not vegan. Kept refrigerated these will keep for 3-4 days. Enjoy!

Happy baking, happy breakfasting and happy minds and bodies. Thanks for that Lizi.

For more information, savoury and sweet recipes, and an opportunity to buy from the Lizi’s range, click here.
Lizi’s Original Granola: RRP £3.70 for 500g, available from Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury’s and Ocado. Follow Lizi’s on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook