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!

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.

Apple Cinnamon Granola with Hazelnuts and Cranberries- a hearty granola that's bursting with flavor and texture. Gluten-free, vegan and refined sugar-free!

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.

Apple Cinnamon Granola with Hazelnuts and Cranberries- a hearty granola that's bursting with flavor and texture. Gluten-free, vegan and refined sugar-free!

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:

Apple Cinnamon Granola with Hazelnuts and Cranberries- a hearty granola that's bursting with flavor and texture. Gluten-free, vegan and refined sugar-free!

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.

Apple Cinnamon Granola with Hazelnuts and Cranberries- a hearty granola that's bursting with flavor and texture. Gluten-free, vegan and refined sugar-free!

Apple Cinnamon Granola with Hazelnuts and Cranberries- a hearty granola that's bursting with flavor and texture. Gluten-free, vegan and refined sugar-free!

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- a hearty granola that's bursting with flavor and texture. Gluten-free, vegan and refined sugar-free!

Apple Cinnamon Granola with Hazelnuts and Cranberries- a hearty granola that's bursting with flavor and texture. Gluten-free, vegan and refined sugar-free!

 

Apple Cinnamon Granola with Hazelnuts and Cranberries

Yield: 8 cups

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 45

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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! heart

 

 

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.