Coconut Vanilla Mango Granola (Vegan)

I don't have a car. I can't remember if I've shared that fun fact on the blog before, but now you know. I sold my little hatchback just over a year ago now. Nine days out of ten I don't miss it. It's definitely cheaper not having to worry about paying for gas or car insurance or general maintenance. And I definitely live my life much differently now. 

I love how on Saturday mornings I walk the three and a half miles to the farmer's market to buy local produce, knowing that I'm leaving a minimal carbon footprint. I love my mile walk to and from work each day. I love how walking everywhere forcing me to slow down. It forces me to stop and smell the roses and notice things I never would have noticed before. I think it's good for the soul to go for a long walk with no ipod blasting your ear drums. I think it's good to give yourself time with well, yourself, to just listen to the thoughts bouncing around in your head. We don't do enough of that these days.

I was inspired to make this granola yesterday when I walked to our local natural food store, Mountain Mama's. In their bulk section they had some Vanilla Macaroon granola that looked and sounded delicious. I decided to make my own version and add some fruit to it. So I began searching the store for tasty ingredients. About an hour later I was cursing myself for getting so inspired to buy what ended up being twenty pounds of ingredients (for other recipes, too). Let me tell ya, walking three miles back from the store both up and downhill with twenty pounds on your back is a great workout. My legs are still a little sore. 

This granola features two different type of oats: old fashioned and barley flakes. It also has ground flax seed, sliced almonds and giant shreds of coconut creating a wonderfully hearty breakfast. Enjoy it with almond milk or use it to top your next smoothie bowl.

Coconut Vanilla Mango Granola

• 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Agave Nectar
• Seeds from 1 Vanilla Bean 
• 1 Cup Old Fashioned Oats
• 1 Cup Barley Flakes
• 1/2 Cup Sliced Almonds
• 3 Tablespoons Ground Flax Seed
• 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
• 1/4 Cup Unsweetened Dried Mango, Finely Chopped

Makes approximately 4 cups.

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. In a large bowl, combine coconut oil, agave and vanilla. Add in the rest of the ingredients, mixing until it's fully coated by the oil mixture. Spread the granola onto a cookie sheet in a thin layer. Place in the oven and bake for approximately one hour, stirring occasionally. Once the granola looks evenly toasted, remove from oven and allow to cool. It will get crunchier as it cools. Consume once it has cooled and store any extra in a mason jar at room temperature. As always, be sure to enjoy.

What's your favorite granola flavor?