Breakfast gets dismissed by so many and yet it is so essential. I find if I skip it it negatively impacts my energy levels and food choices for the rest of the day. I know a lot of people don’t feel that hungry in the morning, so they grab a coffee and begin their day. Personally, I crave the energy kick of a sugar rich cereal, but thats never a good choice.
Granola is a good alternative but the truly healthy granola, not laden with sugar, is really pricey. So I endeavoured to make my own. The most expensive ingredient is the cup of nuts needed. I have not found an alternative but a bit of nuttiness in a bowl of granola is essential!
Another key ingredient to this recipe is that it is sweetened with date paste. Date paste simply consists of dates that have been soaked and then pureed. It’s very easy to make and I’m going to share my method with you. The next time I make a batch I intend to update this post with a total cost per batch, so watch this space!
Salted Chocolate Granola
INGREDIENTS
3 cups jungle oats (I like to use gluten-free oats but it can be quite pricey)
1 cup chopped raw nuts (almonds are the “cheapest” at the moment)
1/4 cup desiccated coconut
3 Tbsp brown sugar (this just adds a bit of crunch, you can leave it out)
1 tsp sea salt
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup date paste (you can use maple syrup but that ups the budget)
DIRECTIONS
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees celsius.
To a mixing bowl add the oats, nuts, coconut, chia seeds, sugar, salt, cocoa powder.
In a pot melt the coconut oil and add the date paste.
Once melted add to the mixing bowl and stir to combine.
Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet, don’t add too much, I find I have to do it in 3 batches.
Let it cool completely then store in an airtight container, it will keep for a few weeks.