APPLE CRANBERRY GRANOLA

SERVES 6 CUPS (580g)

2 cups (235 g) gluten-free rolled oats

1/2 cup (65 g) chopped raw almonds

1 cup (86 g) chopped dried apple rings

1/2 cup (65 g) dried cranberries

2 tbsp. (20 g) chia seeds

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. salt

1/3 cup (85 g) almond butter

1/3 cup (80 ml) maple syrup

1 tsp. vanilla extract

NUTRITIONAL VALUES

Calories: 287kcal
Fat: 8.5g (0.5g S.Fat)
Carbs: 47.3g
Protein: 8.2g
Sugar: 15.1g
Sodium: 100mg

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 350oF (180oC, or gas mark 4), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss together the oats, almonds, dried apple, cranberries, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

In a small mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture and fold together until evenly coated. Bake the granola for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring halfway through. When the granola has turned a light golden colour, it is done baking.

Allow the granola to cool for 10 minutes on a rack before breaking into smaller pieces. You can eat it immediately or store it in a jar or bag with a folded paper towel or moisture-absorbing packet. It will last for two to three weeks.

CARAMEL CASHEW GRANOLA

SERVES 14 CUPS

10 Medjool dates, pitted

1/2 cup non-dairy milk (soy-free if necessary)

2 tbsp. maple syrup

2 tbsp. melted coconut oil

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. salt

2 1/2 cups rolled oats (certified gluten-free if necessary)

2 1/2 cups puffed rice (or puffed millet)

1 cup buckwheat groats (kasha)

1 1/2 cups chopped cashews (raw or toasted)

1/2 cup hemp seeds

2 tbsp. flax meal

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

3 tbsp. coconut sugar (or brown sugar)

NUTRITIONAL VALUES

Calories: 542kcal
Fat: 28g (5.7g S.Fat)
Carbs: 66.9g
Protein: 12.6g
Sugar: 28.4g
Sodium: 116mg

METHOD

Position two racks in the oven near the center. Preheat the oven to 275°F (140°C, or gas mark 1). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the dates, milk, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, and salt and process until smooth, pausing to scrape the sides as needed. Place aside.

Combine the oats, puffed rice, buckwheat groats, cashews, hemp seeds, flax meal, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the date mixture until well combined. Sprinkle the sugar over the granola and mix it in gently.

Bake the granola for 20 minutes, spread out on two baking sheets. Bake for another 20 minutes, or until crisp and golden, switching the sheets and placing the bottom sheet on the upper rack and the top sheet on the lower rack. Allow to cool completely before crumbling and transferring to airtight containers or gift jars. The granola will keep for about 2 weeks at room temperature.

VARIATION

Increase the sugar to 1/3 cup for a sweeter granola.