BY STEFANIE
I went to Costco and found the most delicious organic granola called “Love Crunch.” As I was examining the contents I was thinking, “I can make this, AND I can make this more healthful and nutrient-packed!” So that’s what I set out to do. Here is my own version of “Love Crunch.”
Combine well in a large bowl:
10 cups of rolled oats
2 cups raw, unsweetened coconut (large or small flakes—or both)
2 cups quinoa flakes
1 cup sprouted almonds, chopped (raw almonds soaked overnight and then dehydrated until crisp)
1 cup chia seeds
1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped
1 cup flax seeds, freshly ground
½ cup raw cacoa powder
On the stove over low heat, melt—do not boil:
2 1/2 cups raw honey (you can substitute agave and/or molasses for part of this)
1/2-3/4 cup extra-virgin coconut oil (I’ve made this without the oil and it turns out good—just not as many clusters to crunch on.)
1t salt
1 cup water
2 tablespoons vanilla
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well. Spread contents evenly into 3 sheet cake pans. Convection bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes, stir, then bake for another 10 to 20 minutes depending on how crunchy you want it. I've also dehydrated it at about 115 degrees. It takes much longer but helps preserve the nutritional value of it that high heat destroys. Cool. Mix in freeze-dried strawberries and raspberries and chunks of high-quality dark chocolate to your taste. I like to store mine in the freezer. I also love it with almond/coconut milk (Almond Breeze brand) and fresh bananas.
*Always use organic ingredients when possible. Not only is it so much better for your health, but it supports farmers and others who are trying to supply us with higher quality, sustainable foods.
ENJOY!
Hi there! I'm Julia's sister-in-law. I guess I could just say I'm David's sister. Anyway, I wanted to let you know that, one: I read your blog : ). Two: I made the Love Crunch (on Valentine's Day even). You want to know a coincidence? I walked into my health food store here in Peoria to buy some of the items I would need in bulk, and they had Love Crunch out as a sample!! So it was great to be able to taste the store version of the thing I was going to make. I left out the chia seeds, because they were out of them at the store on the day I went, and I used canola oil instead of coconut oil. I love it! Thanks for sharing! I'm taking a baggie of it to all the sisters I Visit Teach!!
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