Grain-Free Granola with Coconut and Cacao

GLUTEN-FREE  |  DAIRY-FREE  |  GRAIN-FREE

This granola is full of fiber, healthy fat, and antioxidants. It's also free of grains, so it's naturally gluten-free. Eat it as you would would any granola, covered with milk or stirred into yogurt.

You can get creative with this recipe. Use what you like best or have already on hand. Good substitutions would be Brazil nuts, cashews, pistachios, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, dried mango or tart cherries.

Yield: 5 cups

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Pinch sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1.5 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup raw nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), soaked overnight, drained, and roughly chopped
• 1/3 cup ground flax seed
• 1/2 cup cacao nibs
• 1/2 cup raw hemp nuts
• 1/2 cup unsweetened dried fruit (blueberries, cranberries, peaches)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 275°F and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the coconut oil, honey, salt, and cinnamon, stirring occasionally.
3. Toss the coconut, prepared nuts, and flax seed together in a large glass or stainless steel bowl. Pour the coconut oil mixture over the top and toss until thoroughly combined. Spread the mixture into an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Transfer it to the oven. 
4. After 20 minutes, stir the mixture and return it to the oven for another 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown, then cool to room temperature.
5. Stir in the cacao nibs, hemp nuts, and dried fruit. 
6. Serve immediately or store the mixture inside an air-tight container.