Paleo Coconut Almond Granola Food

COCONUT ALMOND BARS

Steps:

• Preheat Oven to 325F ( to toast nuts and coconut)
• Heat honey, salt, water and vanilla (optional) in a small pot over medium heat until it starts bubbling. Stir occasionally. Lower to med-low heat and continue simmering uncovered until honey reaches 270F. You need to use a candy thermometer to get this exact ( available at most grocery stores in the baking section.) This will take about 25 minutes on med-low heat, and will happen rapidly once it reaches 250F.
• In the mean time, lightly toast nuts and coconut, in the oven, just until coconut is fragrant and lightly golden about 8-10 minutes.
• When honey has reached 270F, turn heat off and pour the nuts and coconuts into the pot, stirring well to coat. Mixture may seem dry, but just keep mixing, until evenly coated. Spread out on a parchment lined 8×8 inch pan, or baking sheet, to about ¾ inch thick.
• Using a greased spatula, spread out evenly and press down firmly, compressing it down as much as you can. Cover with parchment and use the bottom of a cup or pot or even your hands (if it's not too hot) and press down really hard, compacting it as much as possible. This will help the bars stay together when you go to cut them. Let cool uncovered on the kitchen counter for 45 minutes. ( no longer)
• Once it has cooled 45 minutes, place a cutting board over the mixure and gently flip it onto the cutting board (in one piece). With a big sharp knife, cut bars before they cool down completely (otherwise they will break when you try to cut them).
• After you cut them, let them cool down completely on parchment (a couple hours) before storing. Store in an air tight container layered with parchment, or just leave them on the counter like I do and watch them disappear. Or wrap them individually with parchment and string.

PALEO GRANOLA WITH COCONUT AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Toss coconut, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, if using, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom in a large bowl.
• Cook honey, oil, and vanilla in a small pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and easily pourable, about 1 minute. Pour over coconut mixture and stir to combine. Spread mixture evenly on prepared baking sheet and bake, stirring once halfway through, until golden-brown and crisp, about 25 minutes.
• Do Ahead
• Granola can be made 1 week ahead; store tightly covered at room temperature.

PALEO COCONUT ALMOND GRANOLA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• In a bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, avocado oil, vanilla extract, almond extract, cinnamon and salt. Add in the remaining ingredients and stir well to coat. Spread the granola out on a baking tray and bake for 10 minutes. Stir the granola and bake for another 6-8 minutes or until it is golden brown. Allow the granola to cool completely before serving.