Gluten Free Chocolate Coconut Granola

I often get asked the question are oats gluten free?  Actually, oats in there natural state are basically gluten free.  However, they are often manufactured alongside wheat or barley and become contaminated.  Therefore, they actually are problematic for those who are sensitive or have celiac disease.

Luckily, gluten free diets can include oats – you just have to be sure that they are a gluten free brand.  Personally, I buy Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Oats.  They are more expensive since the grower has to commit a certain amount of equipment to process the oats, however worth it.  As well, oats are generally considered "healthful".  Oat bran, the outer casing of the oat, is proven to lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol and possibly reduce the risk of heart disease.


So…oatmeal cookies and granola are once again acceptable for the gluten free individual.  Find a brand that suits you and make them homemade.  This coconut chocolate granola is yummy and simple.  It’s lower in sugar than most of the over processed commercial brands.  Just a hint of semi-sweet chocolate makes this a lightly sweetened cereal, yogurt topper or just a great afternoon snack on it’s own.

Chocolate Coconut Granola

Ingredients:

4 cups Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Oats (http://www.bobsredmill.com)

1 cup shredded coconut

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, roughly chopped

¼ cup brown sugar

¼ cup honey

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut and pecans; set aside. 
2. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, oil, honey and cinnamon; bring to a boil. Remove from the heat. 
3. Pour honey mixture over oats; stir to coat. 
4. Spread in a large shallow baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
5. Cool slightly and stir in chocolate chips. Store in an airtight container.