So, we all know that not all calories are created equal and if health was simply a matter of consuming the magic number’s worth of calories, there would be no need for healthy food information, right? It’s about nutrition, people. It’s not about your 100 calorie pack of Oreos (that I hope none of you are eating) and more about the one ingredient foods filled with antioxidants, fiber, omega 3’s, healthy fats and lean proteins.
If you take a look at a few snack options such as empty calorie snacks such as processed bags of chips or chocolate- you’re getting the caloric content in the form of hydrogenated oils in the chips and in the form of refined sugar with the chocolate but there is ZERO nutritional value. What’s worst is that these highly refined, highly processed foods actually end up depleting your body of vital nutrients.
The result?
Well, that’s an excess of calories and a deficiency in nutrition, which leads to food cravings.
Empty calorie foods like chips and candy lack the vital nutrients that our bodies need to run optimally. High sugar foods end up slowing down our metabolism and even though so many point system diets may value an orange and a candy bar as the same because they have the same number of calories, the quality is different. The orange is packed with nutrients and the candy bar is void of any nutritional value. The orange will help your immune system, your cells, your mitochondria and much more.
Make sense?
So, today I thought a healthy granola recipe would be the perfect way to show off a fun and healthy snack that you can enjoy without the empty calories and chemicals. Sound good to you?
I hope so.
Get your oven ready – you’re gunna love this recipe!
Try to buy everything organic. Here’s why: The Benefits of Eating Organic.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup pecans
- 3 Tbsp. flax seeds
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup shredded coconut flakes
- 2 Tbsp. maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3/4 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp. coconut oil melted
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries or any other dried fruit you have such as raisins
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
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Combine all ingredients (except cranberries) in a large mixing bowl; toss to combine to ensure everything is coated with maple syrup and vanilla extract.
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Transfer mixture to the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes or until desired crispiness. Remove from the oven; set aside to cool for 10 minutes before serving; add dried cranberries and toss to combine.
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Recipe will keep in a sealed container in the fridge for a week.
Homemade granola is always SO much better than store bought, isn’t it?
This recipe looks amazing. I’m confused by cooking time. Up top it says 3 hours but in the recipe only 15-20 minutes. I assume the shorter is correct. Can you please confirm? Thank you!
Thanks Susan; yes 15-20 minutes is correct. Thanks!!!
Has anyone else had a problem with getting this granola crispy? I baked mine for 4 hours (last 30 minutes at 325 degrees in an attempt to get it crispy) and it remains somewhat mushy and no where near crisp.
I love granola , haven’t made it before. This looks like a good recipe. Thanks
Simply can’t wait to try out this recipe!
I would love this blender! Mine must be 30 years old.
My daughter is trying dairy & gluten free to alleviate chronic stomach pain. We’ll have to try this! & some fresh smoothies in the Blend-Tec 😉
I would love to win a BlendTec! I use my blender every day and would use this one so much more!
So excited for this recipe! Putting on my grocery list now 🙂
My Ninja blender just died this week after only 2 years!!! Boo :(. Blendtec would be a great replacement 🙂 🙂
I never tried Gluten Free Cranberry Granola. Looks very tasty
Though I could really use a blender I don’t have any at this time.
This looks delicious. Excited to read more of your vegan recipes . Thanks for the opportunity to win a Blendtec.
For the Blendtec, need it, want it, love it, mine gave up the ghost and missing my smoothies and crust. thanks
This looks delish!
Yum!!
I love making my own granola and the idea of adding cranberries is great!!
Also Amie–winning a BlendTec blender would change my kitchen! I could make better smoothies and your chocolate avocado pudding!!
YUM! Cashew butter for the win! This sounds like a perfect combination of flavors. Must try ASAP!
This granola looks super tasty! Can’t wait to try it. And your photos are beautiful!! Who knew granola was so pretty?
Hi Amie!!!
Saw your facebook post about the blender givaway. I would soooooooooooo love to have it!
Thanks to that post I bumped into this recipe.
And it looks amazing. Making it into a bar for a great snack on the go.
Keep it up!
This looks like a great recipe, and bonus I have everything except the cashew butter in my pantry. I’ve saved this recipe to make soon. 🙂 I appreciate the chance to win a blendtec blender, there is so much I could do with one. Though I would be most excited about making smoothies and nut butters. 🙂
Jennifer, I made this recipe twice- chopped and whole so you can do either. Enjoy! oxxx
The recipe doesn’t say to chop the almond or pecans, but in the pictures I can’t see any whole nuts in the finished granola. Did you chop them or leave them whole?