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
 
Prep
Cook
Total
 
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?

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10 comments

  1. I like granola in big bowls of yogurt or milk with lots of fruit. I do like granola with nuts, oats, grains, dried fruits. However, I don’t like eliminating food groups from my diet. In the past I found eliminating one group just meant excess of another. I still suffer digestively from all the things I’ve tried. So now I eat every food group and every food and am always trying new things. It doesn’t necessarily agree with me digestively, but I mentally feel better. Life is too short.

    1. Thanks Emily; great to hear from you. I hear ya- I agree that many of my clients feel the same way when they have to eliminate a food group due to food allergies or intolerances. I’m happy to hear you enjoy every food group- life is about enjoying our food and you are so right. Life is way too short to dwell on calories and food. So great to hear from you.
      You made my night; I’m thrilled you are exploring new foods and being proactive. Keep up the great work and enjoy your weekend.
      xo

  2. This looks delicious-but as a shortcut, is the granola in the bins at Fairway too sugary? Can I buy Flaxseed at Fairway?

    1. I’ve never had the granola at fairway because of possible cross contamination but you can get flax seeds there or any health food store and Whole Foods Market. I love the Barlean’s brand!
      Have a great weekend. Enjoy this granola!

    1. Thanks Sarah! So great to hear from you. Excited to see you in California next month. I guess this is more semi Paleo hehehe.
      Xxoo