Vanilla Scented Nut and Cacao Nib Granola

Since it is national breakfast month, I thought it appropriate to post something breakfasty. No, not pancakes or eggs and bacon, something that can be taken with you if you are on the go, or snacked on later in the day, home made granola!

If you have never made your own granola before, it is about time you tried; it is a real treat. The heavenly aroma that emerges from your oven while it is baking is like nothing else.

You are rewarded when it is just cool enough to taste, but still warm from the oven to enjoy a sample (or two or three because it is hard to stop enjoying). The best part about it is you can add in the things you like most and to suit your tastes. I have included my favorite recipe here, vanilla scented nut and cacao nib granola. It is like a grown up chocolate chip cookie married some granola; it smells amazing and tastes even better! You will have a hard time going back to buying already made granola in a bag or box once you try making it!

Author: Amy Lyons O’Neil

Amy has worked for Fresh and Natural Foods since 2006 contributing to the variety of healthful foods we offer. She graduated with a degree in studio art from Bethel University in 2007, but in her senior year of college, found that her passion was with the art of food. She later used her photography and culinary skills to create a vegan food and recipe blog, Fragrant Vanilla Cake. She has also written 3 cookbooks. She specializes in vegan and vegetarian recipes. Local, fresh and organic food has always been her focus in whatever she creates.

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Servings: 28 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Ready in: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 cups organic old fashioned rolled oats
• 2 cups raw walnuts
• 2 cups raw pecans
• 1 cup whole raw almonds
• 2 cups Bob's Red Mill dried large flake coconut
• 3/4 cup raw unrefined coconut oil
• 3/4 cup agave nectar
• 3 Tbsp maple or brown sugar
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1 Tbsp pure organic vanilla extract
• 2 cups dried cherries (available in the bulk section)
• 2 cups cacao nibs

Instructions

Line a large baking sheet with non-stick foil, and spray with cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350 and set rack at the medium position. In a large bowl, combine oats, walnuts, pecans, almonds, and coconut, and set aside. In another bowl, whisk together oil, agave nectar, maple sugar, sea salt, vanilla seeds, and vanilla extract until well combined, then pour over oat mixture and toss to coat until completely blended. Pour out onto prepared baking sheet, and spread out evenly. Bake for 35 minutes, stirring about every 10 minutes or so until the granola is evenly browned. Remove from oven and let cool. Stir in cherries, and cacao nibs and enjoy!