For years I have tried to find the perfect granola to satisfy a snack or morning meal – not too sweet, not too bland, not artificial, not with gluten, not with soy… I never even once considered making the crunchy treat myself. I though it would be too cumbersome or tedious, and not worth the effort. How untrue! With this recipe I found on foodnetwork (doctored up a bit to boost health benefits), we now have fresh-made granola whenever we want at my house. 

This recipe is truly wonderful, and your favorite nuts, seeds, fruits and flavors can easily be added or substituted. It is great with organic yogurt, sprinkled on berries, served with warm almond-milk or just plain out-of-your-hand for a quick snack.

I have added walnuts for their medicinal properties of improving cognitive function and pepitas for their high iron content. The coconut oil supplies a healthier fat than other vegetable oils, and the ground flax seeds provide essential fatty acids & omega 3′s. Oats are more commonly used in granola, but I like Spelt Flakes for their nutty flavor and  they are easier for most people to digest than other wheat products.

Ingredients

3 Cups Spelt Flakes (I like Eden Organic, can also use Whole Oat Flakes)

1 Cup Slivered Almonds

1 Cup Cashews

1/2 Cup Walnut Halves

1 Cup Raw Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds)

3 Tbsp Ground Flax Seeds

1/4 Cup Dark Brown Sugar (loose, not packed)

1/4 Cup Maple Sugar

2 Tbsp  Molasses

1/4 Cup Coconut Oil (will need to warm jar under water so it liquifies for use)

3/4 tsp. Salt

2 tsp Cinnamon

1 Cup Dried Fruit (Cherries, Cranberries, Mulberries, Raisins, Blueberries, Apples, etc)

Preparation

Preheat Oven to 250 Degrees Fahrenheit.

In a large bowl, combine Spelt Flakes, nuts, flax  & brown sugar.

In a second bowl, combine maple syrup, molasses, salt, coconut oil and cinnamon.

Combine both mixtures and pour onto two sheet pans. Bake for 1 hour & 15 min, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve even color and crispness. Remove from oven and transfer to a large bowl. Incorporate dried fruit and store in an airtight container.