Apple Coconut Chia Granola

I love granola. I could eat (and have eaten) an entire bag of granola in a sitting. There are so many delicious gluten free brands, but I always find myself eating more than I need to because it's so darn tasty! I also hate that the bags are single use plastics. So I decided the best way to combat both of those things was to start making my own! 

The best thing I can suggest is buying ingredients in the bulk section of your grocery store. Whole Foods or another health food store probably will be your best bet, but even my local store has a great bulk section! I bring my own containers so I don't have to use their plastic baggies. Then use a glass jar or air tight plastic tub to store your finished granola in. 

When I was planning this recipe I was standing in the bulk aisle trying to decide what yummy bits to put in my granola. Did I want raisins, nuts, sunflower seeds, dates, etc etc? But I just couldn't choose! So I decided to make this first go 'round an simple recipe. I already had half the ingredients at home, which always makes things easier (and cheaper). But you could easily add any other fun yummies to this recipe that you wanted (nuts, dried fruit, etc). 

I like to use Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Rolled Oats, but whatever oats you like can be used. I also chose just an unsweetened applesauce, make sure to check the ingredients, it should literally just say apples! Next time I may try making my own! Mix together all your ingredients, 4 cups of oats, 1 cup of applesauce, 1 cup unsweetened coconut, 1/4 cup chia seeds, 2 tbsp agave nectar, and 2 tsp cinnamon. You could also use honey or maple syrup instead of the agave. I also being the usual frazzle brain that I am forgot to stir in the cinnamon at first...

Then make sure it's all mixed up evenly. I always like a few chunks in my granola though, so if there are some clumps, keep them! Line a sheet pan with raised edges-- it would be a massive messy catastrophe if it didn't have edges-- with parchment paper and spread the granola evenly. 

Now if you're me, you'll only have two sheet pans. One large-ish one and one small one...what I SHOULD have done was use both. Yea, I didn't. I just used the large one, and the granola was laid fairly thick. So it took quite a while to cook. I started with 12 minutes on the timer, so I could stir it at that point. Then added 10 more minutes. Stir again. Nope still not done...6 more minutes. STILL NOT DONE. 5 more...When will this granola finish?! Another 5 minutes. Aaaaaand we're done. Finally. So moral of the story. Use a bigger sheet pan. Or separate it into two. Just sayin'. Otherwise cook time will be about 35-40 minutes. The good news is, it's freakin' delicious! So let it cool and nosh away or hide it in a sealed jar from yourself so you don't eat it all right then! 

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Apple Coconut Chia Granola

Gluten Free/Dairy Free/Refined Sugar Free

Ingredients:

• 4 cups GF rolled oats

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1/4 cup chia seeds

• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

• 2 tbsp agave nectar (could also use maple syrup or honey)

• 2 tsp cinnamon

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.

3. Spread granola mixture out on sheet pan.

4. Bake 25-30 minutes (depending on sheet pan size), stirring every 10 minutes.

5. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

6. Let your Hungry Hungry self enjoy your treat!