Coconut Granola

As I was sitting at dinner with one of my new Kansas City friends we were talking about things we enjoy doing. My description was very reminiscent to that of a 50’s housewife: cooking, baking, gardening, and crafting just to name a few. I enjoy the process of making things from scratch (no matter how complicated) and love the satisfaction of feeding and taking care of others. Now don’t get me wrong, I am a firm believer in box cake mix, an occasional Lunchable, and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese but I love the challenge of avoiding the easy and processed.

That brings me to my latest experiment: homemade granola. I know you can buy a bag of the good stuff in the cereal aisle, but have you ever taken a chance to look at the ingredient list? SUGAR SUGAR SUGAR. This recipe adapted from two peas & their pod  is super simple, almost foolproof, and lasts forever. You have freedom to add whatever you like and leave out everything you don’t like—for me that’s raisins or any other dried fruit.

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Coconut Granola

Prep 15 mins

Cook 25 mins

Total 40 mins

Author Marissa Allen

toasty, crunchy, fool proof granola

Ingredients

• 2 cups old fashioned oats
• 2 cups quick oats
• 3 tablespoons of flaxseed
• ½ cup of almonds
• ½ cup of walnuts
• 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1½ cups of toasted coconut
• ½ teaspoons of salt
• ½ cup maple sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 4 tablespoon of coconut oil

Instructions

1. To toast coconut: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread coconut out on a baking sheet in one even layer.
2. Toast for about 20 minutes stirring every 5 minutes.
3. Granola: Mix all the ingredients (including 2 C of toasted coconut) together in a large bowl.
4. Once the mixture is well combined, spread onto a baking sheet and place in 350 degree oven for 25 minutes.
5. Stir every 5-6 minutes.
6. Let cool for 10 minutes and serve or package in an airtight container!

Notes

Be sure not to scorch the nuts in the granola mixture. This might mean your cooking time varies. You are just looking for a nice golden color.

For all those new to the coconut oil craze the stuff is awesome! Calling all naturalistas: try some in your hair after your next wash. My hair soaks up the oil and my curls are bouncier and shinier than ever.

When the timer goes off, do your best not to sample for 2 reasons:

#1 you will burn your mouth

#2 it’s still soft and doesn’t have the crunch until you let it sit for about 10 minutes.

After it has completely cooled, throw it on top of some yogurt, eat it plain, or package it up nicely and brighten someone’s day. There is more than enough to go around! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do.

Marissa