Granola

I love granola especially the homemade kind because I get to put whatever I want and it’s my special mix.  I have been using one recipe from Barefoot Contessa and have adjusted it to our household preferences.  I found a new recipe from Jeannette Ordas of Everybody likes Sandwiches and wanted to give it a try.  It’s pretty much the same except for a new ingredients like the apple sauce, spices and add ons.  Matt couldn’t find any wheat germ at TJ’s so we left that out and it was fine… yes I send him to the supermarket and he’s awesome about getting all the items right!  What a wonderful fiance.  I decided to add dried cranberries and apricots… these I just added at the end of cooking time so that it wouldn’t burn.  I apologize for the horrible picture taken from my iphone, but I’m feeling lazy and didn’t want to take out the camera.  It turned out delicious!!  I usually don’t like coconut flakes but it bakes into the whole thing and you don’t get a strong coconut flavor.  It adds a hint of nutty aroma and flavor to the granola.  Non-fat plain yogurt and granola equals awesome breakfast for the whole week!  Must remember to drinks lots of water also as this has tons of fiber. =D

Changes I made:

• addition of dried cranberries and apricots
• didn’t have any wheat germ so I left that out
• didn’t have any whole flax seeds so I just added a bit more ground flax seed
• addition of maple syrup (we like it a bit more sweet)
• didn’t have cardamom, nutmeg or ginger but did have pumpkin pie seasoning that worked out great

Everyday Granola

3 1/2 c organic large-flake rolled oats

1/2 c wheat germ

1/4 c flax seed

3 T ground flax seed

1 1/2 c dried shredded coconut

1 c walnuts, roughly chopped

1 c almonds, roughly chopped

1/4 c sunflower seeds

2 T cinnamon

1 t ground ginger

large pinch each of cardamom and nutmeg

1/2 t of kosher salt

1/4 c canola oil

1/4 c apple sauce

1/3 c brown sugar

1/3 c honey

1 t vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 300ºF. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients with a wooden spoon. In another bowl, stir the oil, applesauce, brown sugar, honey and vanilla together until it emulsifies somewhat. Pour the wet over the dry ingredients and stir well so that everything gets evenly coated.

Spread mixture on a baking sheet or large glass baking pan and toast in a 325 degree oven for 20-30 minutes, checking on it and stirring it occasionally until mixture is dry. When cool, store in a tightly lidded container.

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