Elements For A Healthier Life Magazine Issue 06 | October 2016 | Page 52

The most delicious, buttery (and there is no butter!), perfectly sweetened granola you will ever make in your life.

I originally experimented with the two diverse flavors of maple and tahini, when creating a favorite gluten-free and vegan Crunchy Maple Sesame Cookie recipe (also delicious).

This granola tastes great in: yogurt, smoothies, smoothie bowls, with milk, or just by the handful when you're in need of quick healthy but yummy snack.

Recipe Ingredients*:

2 1/4 cups rolled oats

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

1/4 ground flax seeds

2 tbsp sesame seeds

pinch of salt

1/4 cup tahini

1/3 – 1/2 cup maple syrup

Optional additions after baking:

Dried fruit

Cacao nibs / chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350Ground 1/4 cup rolled oats in a coffee grinder, food processor, or blender until fully ground.

Add the remaining 2 cups of oats and oat flour to a bowl with all the seeds and salt.

Over very low heat, melt your tahini, maple syrup, and coconut oil and stir together.

Pour over the oat mixture and mix together very well.

Scoop the mixture onto a parchment paper covered baking sheet and press the granola down firmly. Keep the granola in one big sheet, (you’ll break it up later which creates crunchy clusters, and who doesn't love that?).

Place in the center of your oven and bake for about 20-30 minutes, more or less, keep an eye on it.

Let cool completely (it will become crunchier as it cools), then break it up and store in an airtight container, for up to a few weeks (although there is no way it will last that long).

Serves: Approx. 16 servings

Preparation Time: 45 minutes, including baking time

Maple Tahini Granola

By Eliza Blue

52 | ElementsForAHealthierLife.com | October 2016