Alternative healthy snack of my choice! This vegan granola is easy to make and totally guilt free. Lightly sweetened with dates to help curve that craving for those sugary cereals.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups old-fashioned porridge oats
  (not instant, gluten free if needed)

• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

• 1/2 cup dried goji berries

• 1/2 cup dried blue berries

• 1/2 cup almonds, roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 cup dried dates, soaked in hot water

• ¾ cup smooth almond butter

• (1/2 cup) date water (from soaked dates)

• ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Put the dried dates in a jug or bowl and pour hot water over until they're covered. Leave for at least 10 minutes, preferably about 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the oven to 300 degree Fahrenheit

3. In a large bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients (oats, coconut, pumpkin seeds, dried goji and blue berries, chopped almonds, ground flaxseed, cinnamon).

4. Drain the dates, reserving the water, and put them in a blender. Add the almond butter and 1/2 cup of the reserved date water. Blend until smooth.

5. Pour the date and nut butter blend over the dry ingredients and mix well.

6. Spread the mixture over the baking tray(s) and place in the preheated oven.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes: I check mine every 5 minutes after 15 minutes. The oats in the granola should be golden, but the cranberries should NOT be black.

8. Remove the granola from the oven and leave it to cool completely

9. Store in an airtight container.

Enjoy!

Let me know your what you think below in the comments below and tag me on Instagram! @gabrielleskitchen__