Paleo Granola

When I first changed the way I eat in March of last year, it was mostly gluten and dairy free. While I noticed a significant improvement, grains still bothered me, particularly oats. That was pretty bad news for someone who ate oatmeal every day of her life for about 15 years and indulged in granola on a regular basis.

And yes, I tried the certified gluten free kind but without success. So I finally had to break it off and kiss oats good bye for good. No more oatmeal, no more granola. I was pretty bummed about it but there was hope. Enter paleo granola. I know, how can it be?? But it's true, you can make granola without oats and have it be magnificent.

This granola requires mostly nuts and also coconut...which is a nut. Is it a nut? I think it's a fruit or a nut...no a seed...Who cares? It's freaking amazing! Anyway, back to nuts. If you don't like nuts, this recipe is probably not for you, but it you do, this is pretty much a nut-coconut orgy.

If you eat a mostly paleo diet, nuts will quickly become a go to snack and something that you will always have in your house…bag, desk, car…you get the idea. So for this granola, I had to make minimal effort to round up what I needed. Walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews and pecans are tossed with coconut oil, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and coconut flakes. The combination is sensational. You can’t go wrong with this one.

It makes a fantastic snack, though one that may disappear rather quickly. I tried it with cashew milk for breakfast as well and it is spectacular. So whether you're in the mood for a snack or breakfast, this has you covered. I try and keep the sweetness subtle so if you like it a little sweeter, you can always add more honey.

So let's get to this nutty deliciousness.

paleo granola

prep time: 5 minutes
roasting time: 8-10 minutes
makes: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups unsweetened flaked coconut
½ cup raw walnuts
½ cup raw almonds
½ cup raw cashews
½ cup raw pecans
¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds
2 tablespoon coconut oil
2 tablespoon raw honey
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
small pinch of salt

Equipment:

medium sauce pan
baking sheet
parchment paper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Over medium low heat, melt coconut oil or butter, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, salt in sauce pan and stir to combine. Next add the rest of ingredients and mix well.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper and spread mixture in an even layer with spatula and bake for 8-10 minutes, tossing once halfway.

When finished, let cool and enjoy.