Cinnamon Apple Apricot Granola

I have been trying various home made granola recipes for awhile now. I used to do mostly nuts and seeds with no oats. However, that made for a pretty chunky granola even when sliced small. After I learned how gluten free oats can actually be helpful to your gut according to recent research presented by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne at a health conference I attended earlier this year. (Yes I know it’s a grain! *gasp*). I don’t eat oats very often. Once in awhile I will make a power ball or have oatmeal. However, I got really excited because I really do like oats in my granola.

I don’t eat this granola for breakfast by itself because it doesn’t have enough protein. I will usually have eggs and/or sausage and then around mid morning I will sometimes have this granola with a dairy free yogurt and some berries. It’s a really delicious and sweet little snack.

I adapted this recipe from a friend that has made one similar with mostly oats and hemp seeds. I added in some more nuts and chia seeds. Since I do ok with butter I added that in for a delicious flavor along with the coconut oil. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

• 5 cups Gluten Free rolled oats
• 3 tablespoons Chia seeds
• 3 tablespoons Hemp seeds
• 2 tablespoons Cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons Vanilla
• 1 shredded apple
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup melted butter (sub w/ coconut oil if you can’t do dairy)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
• 1 cup dried apricots, chopped tiny

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients (except apricots and 1 cup shredded coconut)
• Spread evenly in a high sided pan or casserole type baking dish
• Bake at 300 for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to cook evenly.
• Add apricots and remaining coconut after removing from the oven.
• Store in a glass container with a lid.