Coconut Almond Granola with Dates (Recipe)

Posted on : November 1st, 2017

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Coconut Almond Granola The weather is starting to turn, and when it does I always get the urge to fill my home with the aroma of something delicious baking in the oven. But I’m also trying to eat healthy these days so this granola recipe does the trick. Sure, it’s bit sweet but eaten in moderation in conjunction with protein and healthy fats, granola is a great addition to a healthy diet. It provides the fiber you need for good digestion, and heart-healthy ingredients that can help lower your cholesterol.

This recipe is surprisingly easy and fun to experiment with. I love just almonds in it but you can add any combination of nuts you prefer. I frequently substitute raisins or chopped dried apricots for some or all of the dates and vary the amount and type of spices. One strong recommendation: don’t get lazy and add all the ingredients at once! Always add the dates, raisins or other dried fruits in during the last 10-15 minutes and watch carefully because the fruit cooks faster than everything else and will burn. (I’ve had firsthand experience with this more than once—don’t be me!)

When the granola is getting close to done your kitchen will smell absolutely wonderful and, if you’re like me, you’ll want to eat some right away. Try to refrain and let it cool at least a few minutes (it will be really hot) but then, go ahead, dig in and enjoy! My favorite way to eat this granola is with just a little dairy or soy milk, topped with a healthy serving of yogurt and fruit.

Coconut Almond Granola with Dates

(Makes about 6 cups)

2 cups rolled oats

1 – 1 1/4 cup Maisie Jane’s natural almonds, chopped

1/2 cup sweetened or unsweetened flaked coconut

1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp (or more) ground allspice

1/2 tsp (or more) ground cinnamon

1/4 cup coconut oil

2 Tbsp honey

1 cup chopped pitted dates (or any combination of dates and other dried fruit)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300º F.
Mix first six ingredients in a large bowl.
Melt butter with honey in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Pour over the granola mixture and mix well.
Spread out mixture on a cookie sheet.
Bake 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure your mixture is browned to a golden color evenly on all sides.
Add dates and/or any chopped dried fruit you like. Mix well to separate clumps.
Continue to bake 10-12 minutes more, stirring frequently to make sure it doesn’t burn.
Cool. Store in an airtight jar or other container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Maisie Jane’s California Sunshine Products, Inc. was founded on strong beliefs and passion for offering unique, flavorful, top-quality, nut products. We strongly believe in earth-friendly practices that start on our family-owned and operated orchards. We use organic farming practices and continue in the process by using all-natural ingredients with no preservatives or GMOs. We believe in honest, friendly and helpful customer relations at all levels. We take pride in every task, every day, with every person.

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