NUTTY SEEDY ‘Grain-free’ Granola – Healthy Plant-based fats for vegetarians and vegans

This recipe was adapted from a couple recipes from two new cookbooks that we adore, “Eating Out Loud” by Eden Grinshpan and “Vibrant and Pure” by Adeline Waugh.  Using a lof of our favorite “healthy fat” seeds and nuts, it is tasty treat for the morning, afternoon or evening.  We love this recipe for the holidays – it smells so toasty and warm – but really great any time of year.  This recipe is such a treat and a great gift idea for the holidays. 

And for bonus fertility points we added, at the end- after all the heating and warming - HEMP HEARTS for a bigger nutritional profile – adding protein and omega 3 & 6 oil essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals and optional cacao nibs for a little antioxidant chocolate crunch. 

Adding more plant-based healthy fats helps build robust hormones.  These omega 3 and 6 fats are the building blocks for your hormones.  

Eating a diet rich in healthy fats will provide your body with what it needs to keep your hormones in balance.  

Keeping your hormones in balance can lead to more optimal ovulatory  and reproductive function.  And this is where your fertility begins - why not make it delicious and good for you!  ENJOY!

SEEDY 'GRAIN-FREE' GRANOLA CLUSTERS 

INGREDIENTS:

1 c. unsweetened coconut flakes 

½ c. sunflower seeds 

½ c. raw pumpkin seeds 

½ c. sesame seeds 

¼ c. poppy seeds 

¼ c. flax seeds 

¼ c. chia seeds 

1 c. sliced almonds 

1 c. crushed walnuts 

½ c. + 1 T. maple syrup 

¼ c. unrefined coconut oil 

2 T. tahini paste 

1 teaspoon sea salt 

½ teaspoon vanilla extract 

¼ c. hemp hearts 

½ c. dried fruit (optional) such as cherries, apricots (roughly chopped) currants, or raisins 

¼ c. cacao nibs (optional) 

In a large bowl mix the coconut flake, all the seeds and nuts. 

Heat maple syrup and coconut oil in a medium saucepan over low heat until oil is melted, stir to combine and remove from heat. Add tahini, salt and vanilla.  Pour the mixture over the seed and nut mixture. 

Using a spatula to make sure the mixture is well coated and spread the mixture evenly on the prepared sheet pan. 

Bake 15-25 minutes or until it is a deep golden brown and sticky and smells sweet and toasty, making sure to toss mid-bake to prevent burning. Remove the pan from oven and cool before tossing in hemp hearts and optional dried fruit and cacao nibs.  Cool to room temperature before breaking it up. 

Store in air tight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. 

Great on smoothie bowls or with yogurt (non-dairy is preferred in our fertility diet). Use all of the nuts and seeds listed here, or edit the combo as you have available in your pantry – any which way, it is scrumptious and so good for your hormones.