Easy, Healthy Granola (you don't have to feel guilty about)

by Dr. Erica Volk

I LOVE breakfast! And I'm not immune from being a human, and sometimes I want granola for breakfast! That said, I really like my granola to be low in sugar, high in protein, and deliver a reasonable dose of healthy fat! 

I whipped this recipe together the other night, and while it doesn't have the "clusters" some folks are after, it's a nice simple, basic, quick recipe that took me very little effort to throw together, and it yielded two whole giant-sized mason jars full so I don't have to make it again for a while. You could have it by itself, or with fruit, or on top of a smoothie bowl -- use your imagination! The sky is the limit! 

Recipe:

Pre-heat the oven to 250 degrees Farenheit. 

In a large bowl, mix together: 

• 3 1/2 cups of rolled oats
• 1 cup walnut crumbs
• 1 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 1/3 cup whole flax seeds
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• (Optional) Add whatever else you might want! Some ideas: goji berries, dried fruit, cacao nibs, additional nuts, additional seasonings, you name it! 

In a small saucepan on low heat, melt together: 

• 3/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp honey (maple syrup would be good too!)

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and toss well to coat. 
Spread on baking sheet with parchment or silicon baking mat and place in oven. 
Bake for 60 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes. 
Allow to cool on sheet(s) then store in container of choice, preferably in the fridge to keep the oils, nuts, and seeds fresh!