Coconut & Papaya Granola

This is a recipe I came up with that was inspired by my Cauldron Boy. He has a problem that many people have while at work, which is eating the junk food that is so readily available at the office. His major vice is the salty pretzels. Being that he suffers from high blood pressure, these little snacks made with bleached wheat flour and doused with salt are the last thing he needs on his daily plate (though he does love pretzels)!

So, at his request, I made some crunchy granola in hopes that this high fiber, crunchy & sweet snack would keep him away from the pretzels.

After the week went by, he proudly declared that he didn't eat one single pretzel while at work. This is a a major success in my book, as I believe that Cauldron Boy suffers from gorge instinct. His royal sweetness also stated that this Coconut, Papaya & Almond Granola

is the best granola he's ever had. I loved it too, so I hope you will try it-it's easy!

Here is the recipe:

2 Cups Organic Oats

1/2 Cup Almonds-chopped or slivered

1/2 Cup Flaked Coconut

1/2 Cup Dried Papaya Pieces

1/4 Cup Sunflower Seeds

1 Tsp. Cinnamon

1/2 Tsp. Salt

1/4 Cup Brown or White Sugar

1/4 Cup Honey*

3 Tbsp. Oil

2 Tbsp. Peanut Butter

Preheat oven to 320 degrees and line a baking pan with parchment paper.

In a bowl, toss the oats, sugar, cinnamon and salt thoroughly. Then add the coconut, papaya, almonds, and sunflower seeds and mix. Now, add the honey and oil-mix very thoroughly. Last, add the peanut butter and use your hands to scrunch the granola and peanut butter together to ensure even coating.

Pour the granola onto the prepared pan and bake for 10 min at 320. After 10 minutes, stir the granola a bit and raise the temp to 325. Bake for another 8 min and then stir again. From this point, bake for another 3-5 min and then remove from the oven. Let cool before eating.

Sweet papaya goodness!

Enjoy with milk/soy milk or eat dry!

*To my vegan lovelies, just sub maple or agave syrup for the honey.