Paleo Granola

So, recently, I have attempted the Paleo Diet. I stuck with it for a week, but fell off the bandwagon. Now, I am ready to start again! It's tough to find paleo recipes that are delicious. However, I stumbled across a recipe for paleo granola (without oats!) that is to die for. I know what you're thinking. Granola? Without oats? This chick is nuts! Now, I may be crazy, but I promise you that once you try this stuff, you won't believe how delicious it is! This recipe can also be easily altered by adding different nuts, dried fruits, or spices.


Paleo Granola

Ingredients:
2 cups raw almonds, sliced, if available
1 cup raw pumpkin kernels (pepitas)
1 cup raw pine nuts, pecans, macadamias, sesame seeds, sunflower kernels, or any other raw nut that you like (Note: as long as you have 4 cups of nuts, you will be fine. The almonds make a great base for the granola, however)
1/4 cup dried coconut
1/4 cup virgin, cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil
4 ounces pure honey (I likeHoneycomb Heroes!)
3 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbsp. cinnamon
Dark chocolate chips, if desired


Preparation

Preheat oven to 275F. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine honey, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Microwave for 45 seconds. Add all nuts and dried coconut to honey mixture, and coat evenly.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread granola mixture evenly onto sheet, about 1/4" thick.
Bake for 20 minutes, then turn oven to 350F and bake for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Cool until hardened. Break granola into pieces and place in individual containers.
*Store in a safe place, because once people figure out how good this stuff is, there won't be any left for you ;)