Tropical Quinoa Granola

Finding a good granola is like finding a little pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Some are too sweet, others are so crunchy that I fear for the health of teeth. After a little brainstorming of what my perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and healthy would be, I came up with this tropical mixture. The sweetness comes from the dried pineapple and pomegranate as well as the brown sugar. The crunch comes from chopped almonds and chia seeds. And the healthy kick comes from the old-fashioned oats, flaxseed, coconut oil, and quinoa! My boyfriend liked eating this by the handful, as well as over his morning yogurt. I am loving this with a splash of almond milk. See what your favorite combo is today!

Tropical Quinoa Granola

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/4 chia seeds
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tbsp. coconut extract
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/2 cup dried and chopped pineapple
• 1/2 cup dried pomegranates

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl mix together the oats, almonds, quinoa, flaxseed, chia, and brown sugar. Mix well and set aside.

Preheat a small saucepan over medium heat and add in the coconut oil and honey. Bring to a simmer, and stir well to mix them together. Once it is bubbling, add in the coconut extract. Whisk to combine, then quickly pour over the oats mixture. Stir well to coat all of the oats and goodies in the honey/oil mixture.

Spread the coated oats evenly onto a baking sheet.

Bake for 20-30 minutes. Turning the oats occasionally (about every 10 minutes to keep them from burning, or cooking unevenly). Remove once they are golden brown, and your house smells absolutely incredible.

Let the oat mixture cool to room temperature completely. Once it has cooled off and you can handle it with your hands, add in the dried pineapple and pomegranate. Mix well and serve over yogurt, ice cream, milk, or just enjoy by the handful.