Grain-Free Granola

02 November 2011

A sweet friend shared this recipe with me when I first started learning about the Paleo lifestyle. There needs to be a warning on this recipe! My children love it, and while the servings are small this is a snack that packs a big nutritional punch. It is addicting, but oh so good for you!

Grain-Free Granola
(Makes 28 (1/4) cup servings)

- 5 cups nuts and seeds (I used slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, chopped walnuts, chopped pecans, and sunflower seeds; you can use whatever you want, but slivered almonds and pumpkin seeds help to give it the same consistency as the granola you may be used to)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/3 cup Paleo-friendly oil (I use coconut oil)
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

- Mix honey, oil, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg in a small saucepan and bring to a boil on the stove. Let it cool.
- Toss nuts and seeds in mixture to get everything covered.
- Mix in raisins and coconut, and enjoy!

This recipe is very versatile. I have added cocoa nibs, raisins, craisins, other dried fruits, pumpkin pie spices, and many other things. Don’t be afraid to change it up!

Here comes what could be scary for many....

Cost:

Almonds (slivered, bought at Costco): $1.25
Raw & Organic Pumpkin Seeds (Kroger $2.39/lb): $1.20
Raw & Organic Sunflower Seeds (Kroger $1.79/lb): $.90
Pecans: $1.50
Walnuts: $1.50
Honey: $1
Coconut oil: $1.25
Unsweetened, Organic Coconut (Sprouts during gluten-free sale) $1.00

Total: $9.60 ($.34/serving)

…... but don’t let the cost scare you! Compare what you pay for those supposedly good for you granola bars from the store. Many of those have high fructose corn syrup, added sugar, and aren’t packed with organic nuts, seeds and coconut oil. The cost isn’t that different, but the health benefits are.

3 comments:

Meredith Braaten, CD(DONA) said...

Where do you buy your coconut oil and price/quantity? I think I need to move to this!

Frugal Wellness said...

I bought a gallon a few months ago from a co-op in Frisco. We order through Wilderness Family Naturals, and paid around $42 for the gallon. Before then I ordered this: http://www.vitacost.com/Nutiva-Certified-Organic-Extra-Virgin-Coconut-Oil and would not hesitate to order again. :) Coconut oil is a staple in our house! The health benefits are amazing.

Anonymous said...

Made this today. YUMMY! Used Go Raw brand raw sprouted sunflower seeds and raw sprouted pumpkin seeds and soaked/dehydrated raw almonds chopped up. It IS addicting!

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