Wheat-free Almond Cherry Granola

Wheat-free Almond Cherry Granola Recipe - Delicious and Nutritious

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

This Wheat-free Almond Cherry Granola recipe is a delicious and nutritious option for those looking for a gluten-free breakfast or snack. Packed with almonds, cherries, and coconut, this granola is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Granola has been a popular breakfast option for many years, known for its crunchy texture and sweet flavor. This particular recipe adds a twist with the addition of almonds and cherries, giving it a unique and delicious taste.

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup slivered almonds
0.33 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
2 tbsp packed brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
0.5 cup dried sour cherries [1]
0.5 cup golden raisins

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C).
In a bowl, combine oats and almonds.
Mix in the juice concentrate.
Add sugar and cinnamon to the mixture and toss well.
Spread the mixture on a cookie sheet.
Bake for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the coconut and continue baking until golden, approximately 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
Add cherries and raisins to the granola mixture.
Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature. It can be made up to 1 week ahead.

Variations

Swap out the almonds for your favorite nuts, such as walnuts or pecans.
Use dried cranberries or blueberries instead of cherries for a different flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to stir the granola mixture occasionally while baking to ensure even cooking.

- Store the granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh for longer.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this granola with yogurt and fresh fruit for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use maple syrup or honey instead of apple juice concentrate for a sweeter flavor.

- Substitute dried apricots or figs for the cherries.

Make Ahead Tips

This granola can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the granola in a decorative bowl with a sprinkle of extra almonds on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this granola with a glass of almond milk or a cup of hot tea for a delicious breakfast or snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 280 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 6g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This granola is a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin E.

Alergens

Contains almonds and coconut. May contain traces of other nuts.

Summary

This Wheat-free Almond Cherry Granola is a nutritious option for those looking for a gluten-free breakfast or snack. It is high in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a filling and satisfying meal.

Summary

This Wheat-free Almond Cherry Granola is a delicious and nutritious option for those looking for a gluten-free breakfast or snack. Packed with almonds, cherries, and coconut, this granola is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Sarah's house for a backyard barbecue. As we chatted and sipped on iced tea, Sarah brought out a bowl of homemade granola for us to snack on.

I took one bite of the crunchy, sweet granola and was instantly hooked. It was unlike any granola I had ever tasted before - a perfect balance of almonds, cherries, and oats. I asked Sarah for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I realized that this granola was not only delicious but also wheat-free. This was perfect for me, as I had recently discovered that I had a gluten sensitivity and was trying to eliminate wheat from my diet. I knew I had to learn how to make this granola for myself.

Over the next few weeks, I experimented with different variations of the recipe, tweaking it here and there until I found the perfect balance of flavors. I shared the granola with my family and friends, and they all raved about how delicious it was.

I decided to add this recipe to my collection of family favorites, alongside my grandmother's famous apple pie and my mother's secret spaghetti sauce. And so, the recipe for Wheat-free Almond Cherry Granola became a staple in my kitchen.

The secret to this granola lies in the quality of the ingredients. I always make sure to use the freshest almonds, cherries, and oats that I can find. I also like to add a touch of honey and cinnamon to give it a warm, sweet flavor.

To make the granola, I start by combining the oats, almonds, and cherries in a large mixing bowl. In a separate saucepan, I heat up the honey, coconut oil, and cinnamon until they are well combined. I then pour the honey mixture over the dry ingredients and mix everything together until it is evenly coated.

Next, I spread the granola out on a baking sheet and bake it in the oven until it is golden brown and crunchy. The smell of toasted almonds and sweet cherries fills my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Once the granola has cooled, I break it up into clusters and store it in an airtight container. It keeps well for weeks, although it never lasts that long in my house. My family and I can't resist snacking on it throughout the day, sprinkling it on top of yogurt or enjoying it by the handful.

I love how versatile this granola is. Sometimes I add dried cranberries or chopped pecans for a different flavor profile. Other times, I sprinkle it with a little sea salt for a sweet and salty treat.

This recipe has become a symbol of my journey towards a healthier, wheat-free lifestyle. It reminds me that just because I have dietary restrictions, it doesn't mean I have to sacrifice flavor or enjoyment.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Wheat-free Almond Cherry Granola, I am filled with gratitude for the friends and family who have inspired me along the way. I am reminded that food is not just about sustenance, but about connection and love.

And so, I continue to share this recipe with anyone who will listen, hoping that it brings them as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me. Cooking is my passion, my art, and my way of spreading love one delicious bite at a time.