This recipe all started a couple of weeks before my due date, during my crazy nesting filled days, which for me where equally about scrubbing the bathroom e-v-e-r-y-d-a-y to the point of being on the verge of OCD and at the same time preparing big batches of food that were enough to feed an army for after I delivered the baby. I admit I went a bit over the top. My bathroom has sense went completely down hill and my freezer is just at the point of being able to open without a dozen or so meals falling on my toes.
It was during my heyday of preparing food, that I decided I needed to make not one granola recipe but three. And while I was at it, I should probably just go ahead and double or triple each of these recipes. Why not, right? Granola is always a good idea.
This one was for my little Ellie, filled with some of her most coveted things - blueberries, coconut flakes and almonds. Plus some things that I like to sneak into her food to make it extra healthy - flax seeds, coconut oil and a small pinch of himalayan sea salt.
A one bowl recipe where all the ingredients are gently tossed together until just coated in a mixture of healthy coconut oil and sweet local honey and then tossed onto a pan and baked until just golden brown. This recipe is great to make with your little one as long as you are prepared for them to snack on the little goodies while you measure and mix.
We have been diving into our 3 batches of this delicious granola by sprinkling it over greek yogurt mixed with plump blueberries and sliced peaches, eating it simply with organic whole milk and even as a finger snack when we are on-the-go. However you devour this recipe, I think you would be wise to get a little crazy like me and double or triple it. You won't regret it. Promise.
Dried Blueberry + Coconut + Almond Granola
2 cups organic old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup sweetened or unsweetened organic shredded coconut
1 1/2 cups sliced or slivered organic almonds
1/4 cup flax seeds
1/4 cup organic coconut oil, melted in microwave
1/4 cup organic honey, agave syrup or natural sweetener
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp sea salt or any good salt
1 cup dried blueberries
Heat oven to 300F. Spray baking sheet (you will need one baking sheet per batch) with olive oil or cooking spray.
In large bowl, combine oats, coconut, almonds, flax seeds, oil, honey, cinnamon, vanilla and salt. Mix will. Spread mixture onto baking sheet in an even layer.
Bake for 35-45 minutes, tossing and rotating pans every 15 minutes until golden brown. Take out of oven and let cool in pan. If you want a chunkier granola, do not toss after you take out of oven. If you want a looser granola, toss well and then let cool. Either way, let completely cool and then toss with dried blueberries.
Store in air-tight container. Will last 3-4 months.
