Cinnamon Crunch Grain-Free Granola Recipe (Gluten-free, Dairy-Free, Paleo)

Last week I reintroduced yogurt into my diet! I really loved the yogurt I had while on my yoga teacher training at Kripalu, it was unlike any yogurt I've ever tasted. The yogurt was so creamy, naturally sweet, and fresh. I called Kripalu and found out their yogurt supplier, which is Butterworks Farms, click the link to see if they serve yogurt in your area. I would definitely recommend getting their yogurt! However, Butterworks Farms doesn't serve yogurt near me, so I decided I would get yogurt from the local farmers market. I found a yogurt made by Hawthorne Valley Farm and the taste and texture are very similar to Butterworks Farms! If neither of these yogurt suppliers serve your area, check your local farmers markets and ask for old-fashioned yogurt! 

One of the best parts about eating yogurt is choosing the additional toppings like fresh fruit, coconut, nuts, and granola. Since I'm still not eating grains, I decided to make my own grain-free granola. Store-bought granola can have a high amount of sugar, by making your own granola you can control the amount of sugar, flavor, and ingredients. 

​All of the ingredients in my grain-free granola are filled with nutritional benefits! Coconut oil protects the liver, boosts the immune system, improves energy, and supports digestion. Local honey provides natural allergy relief and boosts overall immunity. Pumpkin seeds contains a rich source of magnesium, zinc, plant-based omega-3 fats, antioxidants, fiber, and more! Almonds among other benefits, are an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium, fiber and protein. Unsweetened toasted coconut flakes are a good source of zinc. Chia seeds are rich in fiber, omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins and minerals. Flax seeds are a great source of micro-nutrients, fiber, manganese, vitamin B1, and omega-3 fats. Ginger root powder is great to boost immunity and support digestion. Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants, manganese, anti-inflammatory properties, and immune boosting properties. My grain-free granola is filled with superfoods, tastes amazing, and is simple and quick to make! 

Cinnamon Crunch Grain-Free Granola Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes          Cooking Time: 20 minutes      Servings: 2.5 cups
  
INGREDIENTS
¼ cup coconut oil
¼ cup local honey 
¾ cup pumpkin seeds
1 cup sliced almonds
2 cups unsweetened toasted coconut flakes (I love this brand which I found at Stop & Shop)
3 Tbsp. chia seeds
1 Tbsp. flax seeds
½ tsp. almond extract
¼ tsp. ginger root powder
½ Tbsp. cinnamon 

DIRECTIONS 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. In a small sauce pan over low heat, melt the coconut oil and honey
3. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl add pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds, coconut flakes, chia seeds, and flax seeds
4. When honey and coconut oil are melted and starting to bubble, add almond extract, cinnamon, and ginger root powder
5. Pour the honey mixture over the dry ingredients and mix to combine (all ingredients should be lightly coated)
6. Pour the mixture onto the baking sheet and spread out the mixture until there is an even, thin layer
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the granola begins to brown
8. Remove from oven and let cool, then break apart into pieces
9. Store in a container and use in two weeks