This granola is adapted from one I found in Patrick Holfords “Food Glorious Food” cookbook, which I love.  Because this granola contains lots of good fats it’s really filling so a little goes a long way.   For sweetness, stevia/erythritol is preferable to xylitol but any is acceptable.  This keeps for a month in an airtight glass jar in the fridge or a cool dark cupboard.   Serve the granola with natural yoghurt, kefir, organic milk or some no-added sugar dairy-free milk (such as additive-free coconut/almond) and some berries or a chopped pear.  Yum!

Serves 4-6

1 heaped tbs virgin coconut oil (1 tablespoon = 2 dessertspoons)
150g gluten-free oatflakes, organic if possible (if you can eat gluten, then standard organic porridge/jumbo oatflakes are perfect)
3 level tbs tahini, ideally a raw brand such as Carly’s
3 heaped tbs pumpkin seeds
3 heaped tbs sunflower seeds
3 heaped sesame seeds
3 heaped tbs poppy seeds, flax seeds, halved hazelnuts or walnuts, whichever you fancy
3 heaped dessicated coconut
3 heaped tbs goji berries
1 heaped tsp ground cinnamon
1 heaped tsp ground ginger
To sweeten: 2 tbs xylitol, Dr Coys Stevia Erylite (or 30 drops pure liquid 100% stevia) or monk fruit extract from health stores/online
2 dsp cacao/cocoa powder
Optional (if you have issues digesting fats or if you are a post-menopausal woman):
2 heaped dsp GMO-free lecithin granules health stores (sunflower lecithin is better than soy).

1. Gently melt coconut oil in a large wide-bottomed saucepan.
2. Add xylitol or stevia, stir for a second, then add tahini.  Stir to mix.
3. Remove from heat, add oatflakes, mix well, then add everything else, making sure not to heat.
4. Taste and if you want, add more stevia/xylitol/Dr Coys Stevia Erylite

Why this is good for you
Most granola is mainly grain and sugar/honey and doesn’t contain the raw healthy fats or protein needed for a balanced breakfast that keeps blood sugar stable.  This granola has generous protein from nuts and seeds, and also lots of essential fats omega 3 and 6, all of which keep you fuller longer and feed your brain.  Virgin coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides – these are really good for energy production and brain health.   Spices like cocoa, ginger and cinnamon are antioxidant and can delay the ageing process AND modify your gut bacteria for better weight management and health.  Spices also support your immune system.  Lecithin is rich in phosphadityl choline and so great for your brain.  Lecithin also breaks down (emulsifies) fats into tiny droplets, helping you digest them.  The granules have a lovely, creamy taste. Concerned about eating soya products? Lecithin is free from soya protein.  The best lecithin is from sunflower seeds.

For storing this granola, it’s best to use an airtight glass or metal container in the fridge. Polyethylene (PET) or plastic containers with recycling numbers 1,2 and 4 are also safe for food storage.  That way, your food won’t be absorbing toxic BPA (bisphenol A).  Avoid any polycarbonate containers or those with recycling number 7 – these leech BPA into your food.  Avoiding BPA is good news if you want to avoid being overweight or having hormonal imbalances like diabetes, serious breast/prostate disease or energy issues.