Cinnamon & Buckwheat Crunchy Granola

Why is this Granola so GREAT?  That’s easy…1) it’s super tasty and 2) it is not a sugary sweet start to the day! Unlike conventional granolas, this one is a satisfying breakfast (or snack) with a different flavor in each mouthful! 

“Did you know cereal is one of the sneakiest sources of sugar in the American Diet?”

We all know that sugar is not good for us right?  It’s the main fuel for nasty bacteria.  It creates inflammation in the body and therefore, the one ingredient you want to do your best to stay away from. Which is exactly why making your own granola is so much better than buying sugary loaded conventional ones.

Because this one is chock-full of anti-inflammatory ingredients like cinnamon, cardamom, coconut, crispy nuts & seeds, it’s actually good for your you!  Plus buckwheat is one of those ancient gluten free Eastern grains you’re going to fall in love with.  Just don’t forget to soak your groats over night.

A small bowl of this nutrient dense granola will fill you up and provide plenty of pleasure as this is one breakfast you cannot get away with not chewing. It’s super crunchy.

The buckwheat crunch also takes a while to bake because I keep the oven temp very low to keep it kinder on the raw ingredients, and therefore it’s also good for our intestinal flora.

If you have bee pollen, sprinkle 2 tablespoons over for added crunch and nutritional benefits. If you don’t bee pollen, get some.

Trust me, waiting for this to bake in the oven is painful since it smells soooo GOOOD, but so worth it! Get ready for you’re entire kitchen to smell like cinnamon every time you open the oven to stir this sheet full of goodness!

It’s perfect with some full-fat yogurt and a splash of coconut water. Or sprinkle some over your smoothie bowl….YUM!  I love the added CRUNCH!

It’s nice for nibbling on too…pack some up and eat like a trail mix while you sip on your favorite green tea, hot or cold.

CINNAMON AND BUCKWHEAT CRUNCHY GRANOLA (consider doubling this recipe…it’s that GOOD)

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 ounces buckwheat groats activated over night
• 3/4 teaspoon of pink Himalayan sea salt
• 3 tablespoons of cinnamon or more
• 1 teaspoon of cardamom
• 3/4 to 1 cup of mixed crispy nuts (assortment of hazelnuts, pecans, & walnuts and optional)
• 3/4 to 1 cup of crispy seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame and optional)
• 2 tablespoons of flax seeds crushed
• 2 tablespoons of chia seeds
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut
• 3 tablespoons of coconut ghee or coconut oil melted
• 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup or raw honey
• raisins and goji berries (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of bee pollen (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Soak your groats over night or for at least 30 minutes.
2. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
3. Drain your groats and place in a glass bowl with all your other ingredients except the optional ones listed. Stir well and let set for about 10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to gel that makes everything stick together a little.
4. Set over temp to 160°F.  Spread the ingredients out onto the prepared sheet pan.
5. Bake for a few hours in the oven or until the mixture feels dry, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove and let cool and allow your kitchen to smell just like cinnamon.  It will continue to crisp up and dry more as it cools.
7. Mix with optional ingredients.

[reminder]Do you make your own granola?[/reminder]

[reminder]Do you make your own granola? Buckwheat groats are amazing…have you tried them before?[/reminder]