Granola makes for a nutritious and hearty breakfast or snack. Using coconut oil in place of butter or other oils in granola not only adds great flavor but it is also nutritionally better!
This simple granola (inspired by The Cooks Next Door) is easy to customize by using different types of nut or dried fruit. You can also use honey or maple syrup or agave nectar. It’s really delicious served over yogurt.
Hearty Coconut Oil Granola
9 c. old-fashioned rolled oats
2 1/2 c. coconut
1 1/2 c. raw sunflower seeds
3 1/2 c. dried fruit
1 1/2 c. raw nuts
1 Tb. cinnamon
2 tsp. salt
1 Tb. vanilla extract
1/2 c. pure maple syrup
3/4 c. honey
3/4 c. coconut oil
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Combine oats, coconut, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, and nuts in a big bowl. Add cinnamon and mix. In a small saucepan, mix together the salt vanilla, maple syrup, honey, and coconut oil. Cook over medium-low heat stirring frequently until the coconut oil is melted and the ingredients are combined. Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients. Thoroughly combine. Divide between two large bake sheets. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Rotate trays about halfway through baking.
Cool completely and store in an air tight container. Enjoy!
