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As we have cut out all grains this month, I have had to pull out some old recipes and tweak some others. But I must admit, it’s been fun. I’ve come up with some new favorites and have made old ones even better. Who knew eating grain free could be so good, right? One of those that has become a new favorite is the grain free vanilla nut granola. It has such a great mix of fruit and nuts and the combination of maple syrup and vanilla is amazing! (If you can’t tell by now, we love maple syrup around here.)
Do I have you craving the crunchy sweetness yet? Well if not, let me just tell you about the health benefits.
Grain free granola that tastes great and is good for you!
The nuts are a good dose of healthy fats and protein and coconut flakes are added for some more healthy fat, as well as iron and lauric acid. Lauric acid is found in breastmilk and is beneficial for brain development as well as helpful in weight loss. Then there’s the berries. We have all heard of the antioxidants found in berries, but this also has elderberries-the absolute best flu fighter-, bilberries which are great for vision, and rose hips which are a great source of vitamin C. Sweetened with maple syrup this granola has the sweetness we crave without all the processed junk.
But health benefits aside, you know what I like best about this granola? It’s so easy to make! And it’s so versatile. Not only is this a great snack, but it also makes a great cereal for those busy mornings when you need something fast and healthy.
So enough drooling over it, let’s get to making it!
Grain Free Vanilla Nut Granola
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup dried unsweetened cherries
- 1/2 cup dried unsweetened blueberries
- 2 tbs dried elderberries optional
- 3 tbs dried bilberries optional
- 1/4 cup rose hips optional
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbs almond extract
- 1/3 cup maple syrup add more or less for desired sweetness
Instructions
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If using elderberries and bilberries soak them to rehydrate for about 5 minutes.
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Combine all ingredients into bowl and mix well.
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Pour combined mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread into an even layer.
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Place in 275 degree oven and cook for about an hour, mixing every 20 minutes. Begin tasting after 40 minutes to make sure it does not burn. It is done when crunchy and not sticky to the touch.
So now you have no excuse. Stop buying that expensive pre-packaged granola that’s loaded with sugar and not really healthy, and go make your own! 
What’s your favorite granola recipe? I’d love to hear how you do granola and your favorite way to enjoy it.
Until next time-Keep Herbing It Up!
Brigett 
I’m going to try this recipe! I’ve been looking for a good, grain-free, low-carb granola for a while. This looks excellent! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Julie! I hope you like it as much as we do.