I gave a standard oat & raisin granola recipe a face-lift; here I present you with a moorish Walnut, Cinnamon & Date Granola packed full of all the good stuff. 

INGREDIENTS: (for a big container of granola)

8 cups of jumbo oats

2/3 cup honey

1 cup coconut oil (or equivalent)

8 pitted dates, chopped into chocolate-chip sized pieces

2 cups of coconut flakes

1 & 1/2 cups walnuts

1/2 – 1 cup seeds (I used sunflower & flax seeds)

1 cup dried fruit

3 tablespoons cinnamon (or add to suit taste preference)

2 teaspoons vanilla essence

1/2 teaspoon salt

Any extras you want to sprinkle in – activated buckwheat is a hit!

METHOD:

• Turn the oven on to 160 degrees celsius
• Ensure coconut oil is melted and combine with vanilla essence and honey
• Add all dry ingredients* & spice together in a large bowl
  • *add dates and dried fruit now if a more caramelised flavour desired, but be careful as they burn easily! You can add these at the end also
• Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix well
• Spread evenly on a baking tray, ensuring it is not thickly layered in order to get the crunchiest result
• Cook for ~30-35 minutes, check and toss gently (as to not break clusters) after 20 minutes

Cool & store in and airtight container.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS + RECIPE ALTERNATIVES:

Cacao granola – add cacao powder to the mix before you bake for a chocolate-y twist

Serve with a creamy banana smoothie instead of plain milk! Just add bananas, ice and water or milk to a blender & then mix in the granola – YUM.

Make into granola cookie crisps! Roll mixture into small handfuls and bake in the oven – drizzle with dark chocolate once cooked

Cover and body image property of Maddie Mason @ The Love Club