Granola is one of those foods that can start out with healthy intensions and then turn into a sugar loaded faux healthy meal or snack. The foundation is typically a wholesome one, but then it becomes adulterated with loads of sugar, oil, possibly some chocolate chips, and sugar coated dried fruit. This recipe for a healthy, "feel good" pumpkin and hemp seed granola, which is loaded with seeds, spices, some maple syrup, and fiber will leave you satisfied and satiated without the post sugar high slump.
I typically enjoy granola plain as a quick pick-me-up or as a topping to yogurt with seasonal fruit.
Pumpkin and Hemp Seed Granola
makes 4 cups
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
½ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
¼ cup sesame seeds
½ cup hemp seeds
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup maple syrup
Additional add-ins: raisins, unsweetened dried cranberries, chopped dried figs, chopped dried apricots, chia seeds.
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper.
Toss together the oats, shredded coconut, pepitas, sesame seeds, hemp seeds, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl
In another bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix well.
Place mixture on parchment paper-lined sheet tray and bake for 30 minutes or until light brown. Rotate halfway through cooking and check periodically since granola can burn easily. Once cooled, add dried fruit and chia seeds, if you wish, and store in airtight container for a month.
