This granola/trail mix is my absolute FAVORITE snack ever!!! It’s beyond delicious, and I literally have to make it in small batches because I will inhale the whole batch in one sitting. Thankfully, it’s extremely healthy, but I honestly have no self control when it comes to this stuff!
I don’t know about you guys, but I LOVE almonds, and there are plenty of them in this granola. It’s really a simple recipe, and you can add other ingredients to it if you would like (dried fruit, other nuts, coconut flakes, cinnamon or other spices, etc.), but I like it just as it is (probably a little too much if the copious amounts that I have stuffed in my face is any indication 😉 ).
The main dry ingredients in this granola are almonds (duh) and gluten free oats (the gluten free part is optional). Both of these foods have many health benefits, some of which are:
ALMONDS
- Lowers cholesterol
- Cancer prevention
- Protects against diabetes
- Energy boosting
- Good for brain health
- Good for healthy bones and teeth
- Helps to remedy anemia
OATS
- Immune boosting
- Helps balance cholesterol levels
- Protects the heart
- Aids in controlling blood sugar
- Can help with constipation
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Reduces oxidative stress
Lots and lots of health benefits + lots and lots of yumminess = ❤ perfection ❤ !!! This also has many uses. I eat it by itself. I sprinkle it on top of plain greek yogurt – YUM! I also have eaten it as a cereal with almond milk – oh my gosh, best breakfast ever! Obviously, I am enamored with this stuff, and I’m sure if you try it, you will be too!
ALMOND LOVERS GRANOLA
Ingredients:
- 2-3 cups gluten free oats
- 1-2 cup roasted unsalted almonds (you can chop these or use them whole – I usually do a half chopped and half whole)
- 1 tsp. nutmeg
- pinch of sea salt
- stevia to taste
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. alcohol free vanilla
- 1 cup creamy raw almond butter
- coconut flour (optional)
Directions:
1.) In a medium bowl mix together your dry ingredients except the coconut flour (oats, almonds, nutmeg, sea salt, stevia). Set aside.
2.) In a medium sauce pan, heat the wet ingredients (coconut oil, honey, vanilla, almond butter) over low/medium heat till smooth – you don’t want it to boil or anything. You are just heating it to make sure that is is mixed together completely.
3.) Add the sauce pan contents to the dry ingredients and mix well.
4.) At this point, you can sprinkle it with coconut flour if you think it is too “wet” – don’t use very much. I’ve never had to add any. I just add more oats if I think it needs more dry ingredients, but it’s up to you. Cover the bowl and place in the freezer for about an hour or two. When you take it out, use a knife to stir it and break into small pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, or if you’re like me, just shovel it all in your face and feel like you are preggers for the rest of the day. 😉
Enjoy! 🙂
Loving and Laughing 