So, I kinda want a new sunhat.

I mean, spring is on the way and then comes along summer, so I’m envisioning a new sunhat this year with my strapless navy swimsuit on the beach.

I haven’t found my sunhat yet, in case you were wondering, but I will say that I’m on the hunt for a pretty one.

Perhaps a nice wide brimmed straw hat.

Thoughts?

Anyway, this granola got me thinking of my summer days as it’s such a perfect snack to tuck into your beach bag for a mid-afternoon nosh.

Am I right or am I right?

Well, spring is right around the corner and I’m sure many of you are planning a warm getaway so I thought I’d take us all on a little daydream to a faraway beach to make you smile and get excited for the warm weather that’s hopefully comin’ soon.

This granola I would so carefully pack for my sunhat beach day. It has the perfect combination of nuts, seeds and dried fruit and holds up in any bag for quite some time. Not to mention it’s fabulously classy – especially when sitting in the sun in a fabulous new sunhat.

See where I’m goin’ with this?

I created this recipe a few weeks ago because as much as my clients love granola – many are made with added sugar, unhealthy fats and lots of other scary ingredients. Plus, as much as I wish it weren’t true, a gal can’t survive off of apples alone when she’s hungry at 3PM. There’s gotta be a balance in there so why not add in some healthy protein and fat for that mid-day boost? Simply think of it like for every time you reach for something not-so-good for you… ya gotta counteract it with a healthy somethin’ somethin’.

Or at least that’s what I’m working on with my clients. They look at me like I’m a bit crazy and ask, “A grain-free granola?”

Yes.

You heard me right.

It’s a healthy granola recipe that’s semi Paleo-friendly, too.

No grains.

None whatsoever.

You’re probably thinking no grains means no hearty flavor – but think again.

It’s chock full of protein and fiber to keep you satisfied.

And it looks super cute in your little Ziploc baggie, can be easily tossed into your bags when you travel and simply when you’re on-the-go for daily meetings and find yourself in need a healthy, homemade snack.

 Look no further and say sayonara to your 3PM vending machine date.

I bring you – your new afternoon pick-me-up.

This my friends is the future of granola.

Grain-Free Flax Cranberry Granola

Serves: 4

 

Print

Prep

5 minutes

Cook

1 hour 5 minutes

Total

1 hour 10 minutes

 

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free

Author: Amie Valpone

Recipe type: Entree

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 1/3 cup stevia
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cups salted peanuts, chopped
• 3/4 cup flax seeds
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/6 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/6 tsp. cocoa powder
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Prepare a sheet tray with parchment paper; set aside.

2. In a saucepan, heat oil, stevia, and honey over low heat until incorporated.

3. Transfer to bowl and mix in peanuts, flax seeds, cinnamon, ginger and cocoa powder.

4. Transfer to sheet tray and bake, mixing every 20 minutes for 1 hour.

5. Remove from oven; set aside to cool. Transfer mixture to a large bowl; toss with cranberries. Store in a sealed container in the fridge. Enjoy atop yogurt, salads, mixed into hummus or just eaten alone as an on-the-go snack.

Nutrition Facts

Grain-Free Flax Cranberry Granola

Amount Per Serving

Calories 916 Calories from Fat 612

% Daily Value*

Fat 68g105%

Saturated Fat 8g50%

Sodium 327mg14%

Potassium 846mg24%

Carbohydrates 65g22%

Fiber 17g71%

Sugar 38g42%

Protein 26g52%

Calcium 163mg16%

Iron 4mg22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

What’s your favorite way to make granola?