I created this granola recipe after I did a bit of research concerning insomnia. Between the unpleasant meds for my eyes and still being in a restless pattern from marathon training, sleep often eludes me in the early morning hours. Last week I discovered that tart cherries and cherry juice, along with oats, have a high melatonin level. This naturally occurring hormone  promotes a healthy sleep cycle. So I’ve paired up this new creation with my favorite plain Greek yogurt in the evenings for the possibility of a good night’s rest. It’s easy on the taste buds too! 🙂

Cherry Vanilla Granola

• 4 cups whole oats
• 1 1/2 cups dried tart cherries
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup extra virgin coconut oil
• 1/4 cup all-natural applesauce
• 1/3 cup honey or agave nectar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 4 teaspoons cinnamon

Mix oil through cinnamon together in a small bowl. In a large bowl, place oats and walnuts. Pour all but 1/4 of the wet mixture over the oats and nuts. Stir mixture together.

Place dried cherries in a small bowl and pour remaining wet mixture over cherries. Stir to coat and set aside. Bake oat mixture on a cookie sheet at 325 for 25 minutes, stirring every 8-10 minutes. Pull out and mix in cherries. Bake an additional5-7 minutes. Cool completely before enjoying.