Maple-Honey Granola Bark

YUM. Granola is one of those things I just never get tired of. When I have it in the house, I usually take a little handful to nibble on once or twice a day. Then there are the parfaits.. My favorite! Especially with frozen blueberries and fresh strawberries. I could eat them every day! But I usually rushing-ly make a green smoothie and slurp it up while getting ready for school and such. Granola is also pretty healthy. Rolled oats, honey, and this recipe even has ground flax seed! Bonus. The almonds in the recipe were put in with apprehension, but they were delicious. They slightly toasted in the oven and added a nice nutty touch. I also love how this is "bark." So much better than trying to snack on tiny pieces of granola that require a spoon for eating. One of my favorite parts of this recipe is that it uses a good amount of coconut oil, which is SO good for you. But it's also not that easy to incorporate a substantial amount into your daily diet. At least, not for me! Here is a link to some of the benefits of coconut oil. Enjoy!

NOM.

Maple-Honey Granola Bark

1/3 c. maple syrup

1/3 c. honey

1 Tb. vanilla

1/2 c. coconut oil, melted

5 c. rolled oats (not quick)

1 c. chopped almonds or walnuts

1/2 c. sunflower seeds

1/2 c. flax meal (or 1/4 c. flax + 1/4 c. wheat/oat bran)

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt (omit if using salted sunflower seeds)

optional: 1-2 c. dried fruit mixed in after cooling (we usually add our fruit to each bowl when eating)

Heat oven to 325 degrees and line a large rimmed baking sheet with silicone or parchment.

Mix the first four ingredients in a large bowl, then add the remaining ingredients (except for optional fruit) and mix everything really well.

Press the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, using the back of the spoon, a spatula, or your hand wetted with water.

Bake, rotating the pan halfway through, for about 35 minutes and do not stir. It will be golden brown all over and more on the edges.

Remove to a cooling rack for 1 hour before breaking the granola into chunks and adding the optional fruit.

Makes about 7 cups

Source: http://www.anoregoncottage.com