Regular readers will know that I have a real thing for homemade granola. I just can't get enough of it.
Not just perfect for breakfast, but it's also great to grab on the go (yes, I eat mine by the fistful) and to have around as a fast, says and healthy snack.
My favourite addition to this Dark Chocolate Coconut granola is Creative Nature's shelled hemp seeds. I know what you're thinking, but hemp seeds aren't anywhere near as hippyish as they sound. In fact, they're a true wonder food - rich in protein (making them the ideal breakfast choice), they're the perfect combination of fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. They can help to aid weight loss, give you super-charged energy and also lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation and help to control blood sugar levels.
This granola is seriously addictive, and seriously tasty. I challenge you to not gobble it by the handful - it's impossible to resist.
Sam x
P.S I also added a dose of superfood goodness to this with the addition of goji berries (the most nutrient-dense food on the planet), but really you can add whatever takes your fancy!
HOMEMADE DARK CHOCOLATE COCONUT GRANOLA
Ingredients:
2 cups oats
1 cup Creative Nature shelled hemp seeds
1 cup desiccated coconut
4 tbsp honey
4 tbsp coconut oil, melted
3 tbsp nut butter (I used Hognuts whole nut butter)
2.5 tbsp Creative Nature cacao
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 egg white
100g pecans, chopped
1 cup Creative Nature goji berries
1 cup raisins
75g dark chocolate chips
Method:
1) Preheat the oven to 180C. Mix together all of the ingredients except the goji berries, raisins and dark chocolate chips until well combined and sticking together in clumps.
2) Spread the mixture on a lined baking tray (or two lined trays, if necessary) then bake in the oven for around 20 minutes, or until golden. Once cooked, turn off the oven and leave the door open to allow the granola to crisp up slightly.
3) Once cooled, break the granola into chunks and stir the goji berries, raisins and dark chocolate chips through. Keep in an airtight container until ready to serve - I love mine served with a dollop of Co-Yo coconut yoghurt!
