All-natural Strawberry Granola

I'm always looking for healthy alternatives to items I used to purchase at the grocery store!  I don't know if you're like me or not, but I'm a big "I can do that myself" kind of gal.  Maybe that's just my toddler life coming back to haunt me but I kind of like trying to figure things out on my own.



One reason I really wanted to make my own granola was because many of the in-store options are loaded with tons of refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, and over-processed oils.  Plus, many of them contain preservatives, artificial flavorings and colors that aren't beneficial to our bodies in any way.

So, I set out to make a quick, but healthy version of what I was buying but that would appeal to my kids, as well.  It still had to be sweet, but instead of using all refined sugars, I replaced half of the brown sugar with honey.  I also chose to use coconut oil over vegetable oil since it's less processed and comes directly from the plant.  The freeze-dried strawberries add an extra sweetness and flavor to the granola and can easily be omitted or swapped out for any other freeze-dried or dried fruit (blueberries, raisins, etc.)

My girls love this recipe and it's frequently eaten as a quick snack, over plain yogurt, or even by itself with a splash of milk!

Enjoy!

yield: 8-12 servingsAuthor: Carol Badaraccoprint recipe

All-Natural Strawberry Granola

prep time: 10 MINScook time: 3 hourtotal time: 3 hours and 10 mins

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 1/2 cups whole grain rolled oats (not quick cooking)
• 1/2 cup pepitas (raw pumpkin seeds)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. real vanilla extract
• freeze-dried strawberries, or other dried fruit

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Pre-heat oven to 250 degrees.
2. Combine oats and pepitas in a large bowl. Set aside.
3. In a small saucepan, stir together the brown sugar, honey, and coconut oil. Bring to a low boil and remove from heat.
4. Carefully add the cinnamon and vanilla to the sugar mixture. It may vigorously bubble, so be careful! Stir to combine.
5. Pour mixture over the oats and toss until well coated.
6. Spread on a large baking sheet and bake for 1 hour.
7. Turn oven off, remove pan, and carefully stir the oats mixture. Return to the off stove and leave in oven for 2 more hours.
8. Once crunchy, break apart and toss in the strawberries. Store in an air tight container.

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