Cinnamon Granola
It All Begins Here
Now, I’m only tooting my own horn a little…but I haven’t bought granola in years because mine is genuinely better than what I’ve paid for in stores. DIY granola is SO easy, SO affordable and you don’t have to grunt and groan and ingredient pecker, you can add what you love in your granola and leave out what you don’t. Trust me, try it. It is gluten-free, wholesome and provides serious nutrition, and satisfaction.
What you’ll need:
3 cups of oats (I usually use 1/2 quick oats, 1/2 rolled oats)
2-3 tbsp organic flax meal or chia seeds, or both
2-3 tbsp hemp seeds or raw buckwheat groats
3/4 cup chopped raw seeds/nuts (I like pumpkin, sunflower or sesame seeds)
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
3 tbsp coconut sugar
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp cinnamon (I usually just add what my heart desires)
1/4 cup coconut or olive oil
1/2 cup maple syrup (plus more to taste, can swap for other liquid sweeteners)
3 tbsp nut or seed butter (optional, I prefer peanut or sunflower)
1/3 cup dried fruit (optional, I’ll usually do tart cherry or date)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (Its really important it cooks at a low temp to get nicely golden and super crunchy without being burned.
In a medium mixing bowl combine oats, flax/chia seeds, hemp/buckwheat, coconut flakes, coconut sugar, sea salt, and cinnamon. Stir to combine.
In a small sauce pan, over low-med heat, warm up the oil and maple syrup until they are well combined, then add the nut butter and stir. Pour the mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well, coating evenly.
Spread the mixture on a baking sheet ( i usually line with parchment) patting it down with a spatula and bake for 20ish minutes (or until fragrant and golden), you may want to stir halfway through to ensure even crunch.
If adding dried fruit, do it while the granola is still warm.
Place cooled granola in a sealed container with air tight seal. It will keep up to 2-3 weeks, or 1 month+ in the freezer (it is typically eaten before then).
Enjoy it on its own, or on top of oatmeal or a smoothie