Nutty Paleo Granola

Nutty Paleo Granola

So I have research to do and a dissertation to write and where do I find myself…in my sanctuary – my kitchen.  Some may call it avoidance behavior – I like to think of it as a study break!   

One of my favorite snacks and study foods when I was in college was a bowl of cereal!  After a few hours of hitting the books I would clamber down the stairs of Kappa Delta, recruiting some sisters along the way, and make my way to the kitchen.  We’d pull out the big bins of cereal, spending a few minutes eating it dry and chatting away before finally pouring a bowl and heading back to our respected study spaces!  It did not matter the time of day or how late in the evening or early in the morning  - these cereal breaks were always welcomed and there was always someone to join you!  I credit my sorority sisters and my love of cereal for helping me power through chapters of text and pages of papers!

Since going Paleo cereal has been absent from my diet!  When I started writing this week I have longed for a bowl cereal with a splash (yes a splash) of icy cold milk! As much as I tried my craving for this brain power food did not subside and I even found myself at the grocery store – in the cereal isle – looking longingly at a box of granola!  I didn't cave to grains instead I created my own Paleo friendly granola!  It is so easy peasy to make and so delicious!  I see a lot of study breaks in my future!  Enjoy!

 Nutty Paleo Granola

Ingredients

1 cup shelled pistachios

1/2 cup pepitas

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup cashew pieces

1 cup dried fruit (I used cherries)

1/4 cup honey (melted)

1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla (optional)

*You can adjust the amount of fruit and nuts - I made a fairly large batch to last the week!

Procedure

1.  Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Combine the nuts in a bowl.

3. Place half of the nut mixture in a blender or food processor and pulse 5 - 6 times.

4. In the microwave melt the coconut oil and honey. (seperately then combine)

5.  Add the cinnamon and vanilla to the melted ingredients.

6.  Place the rest of the nut mixture in the blender along with the remaining ingredients.

7.  Pulse a few times - You will need to stop and stir as the honey/coconut mixture stall the blender.

8.  Spread the mixture on a lined pan in an even layer.  

9.  Bake for 40 minutes stirring the mixture after 20 minutes.

10. Allow to cool and place in container. (I store mine in the fridge)

11. Serve with milk (almond or cashew if Paleo).