Nut and Corn-Free Gluten-Free Granola

Believe it or not some people can't have granola because of nuts. How sad. I gave up granola until I discovered gluten-free oats, but then many store bought gluten-free granola is made with nuts or corn flakes. So this recipe is for the ones out there that need a nut-free, corn-free, and sugar-free granola option. Hopefully knowing you can make your own homemade wonderful granola without nuts is possible....not hard at all really. Just need a nice combo of seeds and dried fruit. Here is my latest combo that we have been enjoying...

Nut-Free Corn-Free Gluten-Free Granola Recipe

3 cups of gluten-free oats (I used Bob's Red Mill rolled oats)

1 cup of dried cherries (sweetened with fruit juice is best)

1 cup of pumpkin seeds

1/3 cup of chia seeds

1/3 cup of chopped dates pieces

1/3 cup of light olive oil, or coconut oil

1/3 cup of So Delicious coconut milk beverage (or other non-dairy milk option)

1/4 cup of apple juice

1/3 cup of agave nectar

1 TB of vanilla (optional)

1 ts or more of ground nutmeg or apple pie spice blend

Mix all of the above ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and let sit for 30 minutes or so for the liquid to be soaked up well into the oats. This will make the oats softer and also take on the flavor of the ingredients. After soaking, spread out on a large baking sheet with parchment paper if desired. Spread about 1 inch think over pan and then bake in a pre-heated oven of 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes depending on how brown and crispy you like it. You can also slow cook at 300 degrees for about an hour...this dehydrates it better if that is something you would prefer. Then pull from the oven and make sure you let cool in the pan on the counter or stove top for at least an hour before moving to a saving container or bag.
Granola is a staple for us in the summer because it is so easy to bring with you when you are going on a hike, a picnic or anywhere outdoors to enjoy the weather. It is also nice in the morning with a bowl of non-dairy milk or yogurt. It is a summer-version of oatmeal. It can get pretty expensive when buying large amounts at the store, but if you make a batch of your own it will last you a while and you can be creative with what your fav flavors or fruit may be. I love nuts and personally no not have an issue with them, but my husband is detoxing from allergens right now and so this granola was for him. It turned out wonderfully without added sugars as well. So, there you have it. Make some nut-free granola for the nut sensitive person. And if you like nuts and can eat them, check out some of my other granola recipes or others online... making granola is a fun and wonderfully delicious way to bake and start the day!

Much love to you!