Ingredients

• 1 cup raw walnuts or pecans
• 1 cup raw cashews
• 2 tbsp flaxseed
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
• 2 tbsp organic coconut oil (refined, melted), avocado oil or olive oil
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or raw honey, for non-vegan, or
  a combination
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4-1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries/cherries (optional - excluding dried fruit
  reduces the calories as well as sugar)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (optional / choose 75% dark chocolate or more).

* The higher the cocoa content, the lower the sugar content, and the higher the amount of antioxidants.

Directions

Step 1 Preheat oven to 325°F and place a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper inside.

Step 2 Chop nuts or pulse them in a food processor until roughly chopped.

Step 3 Mix chopped nuts, flaxseed, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk the melted coconut oil, vanilla, and maple syrup or honey in a small bowl, then pour over the dry mixture, and stir well.

Step 4 Spread granola on the baking sheet and bake for 15 mins.

Step 5 Mix in the dried cranberries, if desired, to the baked granola.

Step 6 Return to the oven and bake for another 10-12 mins, or until golden brown.

Step 7 Allow granola to cool before adding in the mini chocolate chips if desired.

Granola keeps well for up to a month in an airtight container.