Did you guys have the best weekend? I am absolutely and unbelievably exhausted. We got a little too excited on Friday night and kind of jumped the gun on the festivities (read: we over imbibed). So by the time real Halloween rolled around we were a little tired. By the time Sunday rolled around- forget it.
And you know this dang dog of mine didn’t get the memo about Daylight savings- so I am afraid that when I looked at the clock and it said 5:30 I still had to get up and take him out. Dumb dog.
But I baked my dad a whole chocolate pumpkin birthday cake before anyone else woke up, so that was something.
But we did have a lot of fun on Halloween and I have to admit that for me, half the fun was getting the girls ready. If you didn’t see their dry run from last week already, then you have to at least see Coco’s day of the dead makeup from Saturday night. It was on point and she got really into character- all the little kids were scared of her so she knew that it looked really good! Due to our allergies, we mercifully did not over-indulge in candy- but in just about every other area, we most definitely did (like wine and late night pahd-thai). So I am happy to hit the gym tomorrow and start the day with a more nutritious breakfast: namely this Apple Cider Quinoa Granola. Is that a bit of a mouthful? No pun intended. 
I love the clusters of crunchy granola and the addition of apple cider cooked quinoa- (remember that trick?) which adds a nutty, crispy element to the sweet and spiced granola. I also love the little bits of dried apple and cranberry and candied walnuts (which are optional but really tasty). I love this as a snack that I can grab and bring with me when I am running around during the day- but it is also totally delicious with cold coconut milk for breakfast. Either way- I highly recommend you make a batch for your house this week!
- Candied Walnuts:
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 2 cups raw pecans
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Quinoa:
- 1¼ cups spiced apple cider
- 1 cup white quinoa
- Granola:
- 3 ½ cups gluten free rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ cup melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 cup Vegan Candied Walnuts (see below)
- 1 cup dried apples, chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- For the Nuts: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and cover the sheet pan with a sheet of parchment paper. Toss the nuts with the coconut oil, sugar, salt and cinnamon and then spread them out on the sheet pan. Bake them for 10 minutes, toss and bake 5 more. Set aside to cool.
- Lower the oven to 325 degrees. Prepare a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silpat.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat add the apple cider and the quinoa. Bring to a simmer and then put a lid on the pan and turn the heat to low. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the quinoa and the coconut oil and maple syrup and toss well to coat everything well.
- Spread the granola out into a single even layer on the prepared sheet pan and place it in the oven to bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.
- Pull the granola out and toss with a spatula and then place it back in the oven and bake another 20 minutes.
- Pull the granola out and add the nuts, apples and cranberries. Stir and bake for 8-10 more minutes.
- Let the granola cool completely before you break it up. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
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Granola has never looked more delicious and I think you’ve just saved my entire Monday right here!
This looks delicious. Put it in a cute Mason jar and it becomes a cute gift for teachers!
Hahaha i hear ya on the dog thing…we were up so early yesterday!! This granola is awesome!! Love the apple cider addition 🙂
Looks like the perfect granola!
Obsessed! perfect way to get back on track after Halloween and still enjoy the fall flavors
I could easily eat my weight in this granola, love!
This gorgeous granola is so happening in my house!!!
Hi Heather,
first of all, your page is awesome. I stumbled upon many of your recipes because they are beautiful and mouthwatering!
The last one was this apple cider quinoa granola which definitely conquered my heart. I was blown away by the pics and flavors involved and, as it is said to be gluten-free, I also set for preparing it for my dad who is gluten intolerant. When I scrolled the ingredients I was really surprised you use rolled oat. Doctors said to my dad he shouldn’t eat oat along with wheat, rye, barley, spelt and kamut (an ancient type of wheat). So I wonder: have you been told it’s ok or, as far as you know, are there new studies on this cereal saying it doesn’t contain gluten? I can only suppose there are differences in how cereals are considered by the FDA or European authorities as me and my parents live in Italy.
Do you have any clues on this?
Thank you so much and keep up the good work!
Hi Sarah- Thank you SO much! Oats DO have gluten in them. Oats are typically grown in the vicinity of wheat fields and pick up the gluten. I used specially treated gluten free oats, where they have washed the oats of the gluten protein strand. These are not difficult to find in the united states (Bobs red mill and trader joes brands are my go to products) but I have no idea what options there are on Italy? I know that the UK has huge GF awareness= so that may be a good resource if he wants to order on-line. Please let me know what you find out!? GOOD LUCK!!!
Thank you Heather! I had no idea of the existence of this kind of products, the US definitely are on the edge! I’ll try to chase one of the brands you mentioned from the UK, thanks so much for your suggestions and clarification.
I can’t wait to gift your super granola to my dad, I think he would absolutely love it!
For “candied walnuts” it looks like you actually use pecans. Is this a typo or am I maybe reading this wrong? Thanks!