Apple Cinnamon Granola with Hazelnuts and Cranberries
Apple Cinnamon Granola with Hazelnuts and Cranberries- a hearty granola that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Gluten-free, vegan and refined sugar-free!
Every time we visit family back home I’m reminded how different our lifestyle is from everyone else. We’re often the butt of jokes due to the fact that we don’t eat meat or that we try to eat organic as much as possible. Then when the question of where or what to eat comes up, things really start to get complicated.
I have to stifle my reaction in these moments because it’s something that I’m so passionate about, I fear that if I say too much I’ll come across as preachy or defensive. The thing is, there are still a lot of people who think that organic food is just for naive rich people or that it isn’t any healthier for you or the planet. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Organic farming is not only crucial for the sustainability of our soil but also for our health and well-being. Consumption of toxic pesticides and preservatives have been directly linked to endocrine disorders including obesity, infertility, and even some cancers.
But food is only one factor to the equation! Just trying to imagine how many dangerous chemicals get washed down the drain into our water systems and oceans makes my head spin.
The only people who have the ability to make it stop is us. Companies want consumers to buy their products. If we refuse to support those who aren’t taking the right steps for our health and our planet then they will cease to exist. It’s just that simple.
As soon as that dawned on me, I began to investigate the majority of things that I purchase. Yes, it’s time consuming and the better choice is usually the more expensive one. But I take comfort in the fact that I’m supporting companies that are doing things the right way.
So what does all of this have to do with granola?
This recipe comes from Nature’s Path new ebook titled, Your Guide to Organic Food: The Benefits of Organic & How to Make the Switch.
Nature’s Path is committed to certified organic practices and they want to help make the transition easier for those who are interested in the benefits of switching to organic food.
I’m genuinely excited to share this resource with you guys because I whole-heartedly believe in the message that it sends and I feel the content will be of great value to you. Here’s a little sneak peak of what you can find inside:
As soon as I spotted the recipe for Apple Cinnamon Granola I knew that was the first one I wanted to try. It’s been so cold in my house that I’ll use any excuse to turn the oven on, especially when it makes my kitchen smell like apple cinnamon potpourri!
Between the crispy brown rice cereal, the toasted hazelnuts and the dried fruit, this granola is a party of flavors and textures in your mouth. It’s also packed full of healthy nutrients that make for a nice hearty breakfast. Brandon ate it in place of his morning cereal and I had it with my favorite almond milk yogurt. Between the both of us the whole batch was gone within 5 days.
I’d love to hear more about your thoughts on organic food. Have you made the switch or is there a reason why you feel that you are unable to? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments with me!
Also, if you’re interested in the ebook you can download it for FREE by clicking here.
I hope you get a chance to check it out because I think you’re going to find it to be very useful!
Apple Cinnamon Granola with Hazelnuts and Cranberries
Yield: 8 cups
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 30
Total Time: 45
Ingredients:
4 cups rolled oats*
1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
1 cup sunflower seeds
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup dried apples, chopped
1 cup puffed rice cereal
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 300°F then line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, chopped hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil. Remove from heat and whisk in the applesauce, maple syrup 2 tablespoons water and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
Pour the liquid over the oat mixture then stir until everything is well coated. Spread evenly over two baking sheets then bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking time.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Sprinkle dried fruit and rice puffs over the top then stir to combine. Store in an airtight container for 1 week or in the freezer for up to 1 month or longer.
*Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats for allergies
Click Here for Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts are for 1/4 cup serving
Did you try this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out by leaving a comment below or sharing a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #makingthymeforhealth. I love hearing your feedback!
This post was created in partnership with Nature’s Path. I’m proud to be able to work with brands that have integrity and genuinely care about the health of it’s consumers and the planet. As always, all opinions and text are entirely my own.
One of my goals for this year is actually to make more of my purchases organic. I tend to do what a lot of people do, which is look at the price tag and realize my good intentions will cost me more than I want to spend. I know there are ways to get prices down, though, so I want to try and put in the extra effort to finding the good stuff!
The fact that you are even open to considering it is a win in my book! Some people just don’t even want to try. I know it’s hard because of how expensive it is. I have to sacrifice other things in order to afford my grocery bill but I’ve gotten used to it. I just wish the government would subsidize organic farming (and stop subsidizing conventional/factory farms) so that the prices could actually compete!
This granola looks delicious! I wish I liked almond milk yogurt but I think it tastes too weird! I could eat it on top of coconut yogurt though. :) I’m with you, organic food is very important to me. I pretty much only buy organic veggies, meats, and other products (canned goods, etc). It’s definitely more money but it’s worth it since I’ve dealt with infertility, gut issues, etc. I think my biggest hurdle is that my favorite Mexican restaurant no way uses any organic products. :( Don’t think that will ever change!
I guess that just goes to show how subjective food is because I love the almond milk yogurt and don’t care that much for the coconut, lol!
And kuddos to you for doing such a great job supporting organic! I eat at plenty of restaurants that don’t source organically and I wish they did. But we can’t always perfect. It’s about progress, not perfection! :)
THANK YOU so much for speaking on this. Organic food is NOT just for “rich” people, it’s meant for EVERYBODY. I’m seeing it in every grocery store, even in the Walmart produce section! Thank you for spreading awareness!!
I’m so happy to be seeing it in more stores too! Change can take a while but it’s definitely happening.
Hi Sarah,
Loved the thoughts on organic food. I try to buy organic as much as possible. However, sometimes I have to choose by cost. I wish the government would subsidize organic farming too. Love granola recipes and am always open to trying more. This looks yummy and I love hazelnuts! Can’t wait to try it.
It’s frustrating that the better option is usually more expensive but I have faith that will change with time. If we all purchase more organic options than not, then eventually that’s what they will want to invest money in!
Preach girl! I know exactly what you mean… We are both so immersed in the world of healthy living and eating, and it’s funny when you’re outside of your normal bubble and realize that most people do NOT eat like we do. You probably feel the same way, but I feel like the more & more I get into the world of healthy food, fitness, health, etc., the more passionate I get about the subjects. Food is life, and with all of the GMO crops and the Franken-food that Americans eat, it can be very scary to think about what it’s doing to our bodies!
Onto the granola… YUM!! I love homemade granola, and I’ve never made it with hazelnuts before. It sounds like the perfect crunch to top my smoothie bowls with.
Yes! I have definitely noticed my passion growing stronger over the years. Even just looking back at some of my older recipes on here. I feel like I have changed a lot. Sometimes I wish I knew less because it makes me upset to feel like such a small percentage of us are in tune to what’s going on. But I think that will change with time. I just wish it would happen faster!
Some of my friends look at me like I’m nuts when I talk about organic produce, meat, etc. — they just don’t get it. It is pricier, but I’d rather have less of quality products than more of the alternative. I love Nature’s Path products, and I will have to check out their ebook! This granola makes me want to dive right in — I need to whip up a batch immediately!
That’s exactly how I look at it too! It’s better to buy less of the good stuff them more of the crappy stuff. :)
I made the switch to eating organic as much as possible several years ago. I would like to express a few ways I have found it easier to be budget conscious and still purchase organic. First up, BULK BINS, like at Whole Foods, Sprouts and my local Coop. For instance, organic rolled oats are actually cheaper buying in bulk than at my regular supermarkets. Second, the Whole Foods 365 line of numerous products is often organic and the same price or less than non organic. Third, Trader Joe’s has many items I buy on a regular basis than are organic and inexpensive, like their organic cans of beans, 99 cents per can, their organic 16 oz. carrots for 79 cents each, etc. And, then there’s Sprouts, who regularly run ads for organic products that I use all the time, like the Muir Glen 15 oz. cans of unsalted tomato sauce for $1.25 per can. When I see these on sale there, I stock up because I know it is a product I use frequently. Just last week, Sprouts had a 32 oz. jug of organic maple syrup for $14.99… You can’t beat that kind of pricing. The point is this, if you take the time to know what non organic vs. organic foods cost, read the weekly flyers, etc. you can buy organic without spending too much more per week. I have calculated that on average, my food bill is only a dollar or so more per week than buying non organically. I also think about it this way, isn’t good health and helping the environment a priority in the world I live in? Yes, I am lucky to live near the above mentioned stores, and actually at the various outdoor Farmer’s Markets in my area the produce is often more expensive than even the organic greens at my local Ralph’s supermarket!
Wow, Jerilyn! You could write an entire post on tips for how to save money while eating organic. This is such great information. Thank you for sharing!
We’ve made the switch (well, as much as possible – where we moved it can be hard to find some things organic – especially actual produce (dry goods I’ve turned to online or I’ll just drive over an hour to find the good stuff!)). We probably spend more money than most people do on food but I think of it as an investment in my health (and just what I believe in). ANYWAY. This granola sounds fantastic! It’s been ages since I’ve made granola!
That’s how I look at it too! If I have to spend more now in order to save money on prescription medications later, then that sounds like a smart choice to me. :)
This granola!!! You know I love a good snack, Sarah… so much goodness in here! Can I just say…. ? I love that you’re sharing about this, Sarah. It is SUCH a huge, important topic and one that is close to my heart too. This is an easy daily choice. I usually go without if I can’t get it organic (or locally sourced from the farms). You know I just got back from TX over the holidays, so these things came up for me and my hubs as well. We gave in two nights at eating out at steak houses.. and although I had salads, I relished in the other two nights of cooking in at the Air BnB (another reason we stay with Air BnB when we travel.. so I can be choosy about the food! ;) ) Like you, organic isn’t just about my health, it’s about our planet’s health.. the soil, water, air.. all the living things we share our planet with (ex: birds who are struggling with loss of habitat and a reduction in insects – their food supply for many species – due to the deluge of pesticides and herbicides – now neonectinoids – applied on GMO and conventional crops). Rob and I started buying organic when it started becoming available, so long ago, even though we thought it was expensive. And although it hasn’t always been a priority, it has been for at least the past 10 years. I’d much rather buy organic than wearing/carrying the latest fashion or gadget or driving a new car. I make it a priority. Buying bulk saves big $ but also buying from local farms through CSA’s and at farmers markets when in season, saves money too. Our CSA gives us a 10% discount if we buy in February, which we always do. Thank you for this delicious recipe and the ebook! Looking forward to reading and finding some nuggets! xo
That’s exactly how I feel! Buying organic is always cheap but it’s more important to me than a designer handbag. It’s all about what you’re willing to make a priority.
I’m pretty good about going to my local farmer’s market but I really need to look into a CSA near me. Thanks for the reminder, Traci!
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