Tropical Coconut Oil Granola

Servings: 6 cups
Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups oats, old-fashioned/large flake
• 3/4 cup chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/8 cup quinoa
• zest of 1/2 an orange
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup candied pineapple, chopped (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a small saucepan, melt coconut oil, honey, sugar, and vanilla extract over medium heat. Pour over the oat mixture and stir until evenly coated.

Spread mixture onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Stir and bake for another 15 minutes or until golden brown (an extra 5–10 minutes may be required). Sprinkle chopped pineapple over the granola and let cool. Once cool, break granola into chunks and store in an airtight container or large Ziploc bag.

Enjoy with milk, over Greek yogurt or as snack.

Recipe and photo submitted by Regina, Calgary.

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Cranberry, Chocolate, Coconut Granola Bars

Servings: 10–12 bars
Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups quick oats (or GF quick oats)
• 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
• 1 tablespoon flour of choice, optional
• 1/2 cup almonds (or other nuts or seeds of choice)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 3/4 cup flaked or shredded coconut
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or butter)
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Whisk syrup, eggs, oil, and water in a separate bowl. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix well.

Press mixture into prepared pan with a wet spatula. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges begin to brown. Let cool completely before slicing.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze.

Recipe and photo submitted by Alicia, Chardon, OH.

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Super Food Balls

Servings: yields 1 1/2 dozen
Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almonds
• 1 cup buckwheat groats
• 1/4 cup chia seeds or flax seeds
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup dried fruit of choice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Virgin Coconut Oil
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions:

In a food processor mix almonds, buckwheat, chia seeds and cocoa powder together into a flour.

Add dried fruit, honey, and coconut oil and mix again. If needed, add a couple tablespoons water to make the dough a bit stickier.

Form into balls and refrigerate. My children love these super food balls as an after school treat!

Recipe and photo submitted by Danielle, Nottinghill, MO.

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