Coconut and Fruit Granola (Grain-free : Nut-free : GAPS-legal)

While we've been on GAPS, my family has noticed that we sometimes have a hard time digesting nuts, particularly almonds.  I developed this granola recipe as a nut-free, grain-free alternative.  It is crispy and delicious, and a new favorite travel snack for both of our kids. Snack on it dry, drizzle it with yogurt, or eat it in milk like cereal! 

Coconut and Dried Fruit Granola 
Makes 8-10 cups

• 2 cups coconut flour
• 2 cups water
• 6 Tb whole-milk yogurt (or just use more water for a dairy-free option)
• 1/4 cup plus 2Tb honey (you could add more to taste)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup unrefined coconut oil
• 2 Tb softened butter (or use more coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
• 1/2 tsp celtic sea salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup dried fruit (such as raisins and dried apples)

1. Combine coconut flour, water, and yogurt using a hand mixer or stand mixer. 
2. Add remaining ingredients except fruit, and mix well. Taste for sweetness and add more honey if desired. 
3. Mix in the dried fruit.
4. Crumble the mixture onto dehydrator trays*. I like to use the fruit roll trays for my dehydrator, but I'm sure you could use parchment paper instead.  One batch takes up 4 trays in my Nesco dehydrator.  Dry at 150 degrees for 8-12 hours.  
5. To check for to see if it is done, remove a piece of granola from the dehydrator and allow it to cool completely.  It is done when it is nicely dry and crisp.
6. Allow to cool completely before transferring to air-tight containers.  I like to store the bulk of it in the fridge (since there are no preservatives) and just keep a small container in the cupboard.  It will easily keep in the cupboard for at least a week, and should keep in the fridge for several weeks.

*If you don't have a dehydrator, I'm sure you could spread this onto cookie sheets and bake it in the oven (I would use the lowest possible temp for several hours).  You'll probably need to stir it a couple times so it doesn't burn.

This post is part of Handmade Christmas Gift Carnival, Fight Back Friday, Pennywise Platter, Real Food Wednesday, Fat Tuesday and Monday Mania!