GRAIN FREE CHERRY ALMOND GRANOLA - GF, VEGAN, PALEO FRIENDLY

I am truly loving this granola at the moment. It's super quick, easy to make, and contains zero grains or gluten so it won't give you that heavy sleepy feeling after eating. You can eat this granola plain, right out of the jar, or with some coconut milk or almond milk and fresh berries. ​Or...you can sprinkle it on anything from oatmeal, yogurt, and smoothie bowls, to your

favorite desserts. Plus I really like the flavor combination of almonds and cherries. To me it's addicting. But, if you don't like that flavor combo, you can easily use vanilla, raisins, cinnamon, or any other kind of dried fruit of your choice. I say mix it up, experiment, and have fun in the kitchen creating healthy treats!

Ingredients:
4C organic nuts of your choice (almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews, brazil nuts, hazelnuts etc.)
1C sunflower seeds (raw, unsalted)
1C pumpkin seeds (raw, unsalted)
1/4C flax seeds
1/2C shredded coconut
Pinch of sea salt
1/2C coconut oil
1/4C pure organic maple syrup (if you do not care about recipe being vegan you can use honey)
1tsp pure almond extract (if you do not like almond flavor, you can use vanilla extract)
​1C dried cherries
​
Using a food processor mix nuts and seeds (including flax seeds) until desired consistency (some like their granola chunky while others prefer it more finely chopped - up to you).
In a large bowl, combine the nut/seed mixture with the shredded coconut and a pinch of salt.
In a small saucepan, on very low heat, combine the coconut oil, maple syrup, and almond extract until warm and liquid.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and pour the wet ingredients into the middle of the dry ingredients. Blend until everything is well combined.
Add the dried cherries to the mixture and combine well again.
Pour granola onto a large baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Spread and flatten until well spread out.
Place in a 275F oven, for approximately 40-50min., mix and turn over granola at least once during the cooking process in order not to burn.
Once complete, take out of the oven, and let cool for 10-15min. Once cooled, stir to break up pieces and place in a large glass sealed jar (I like to use mason jars). Place in the refrigerator for best storage. Enjoy!