Crunchy Fruity Granola

I used to not like granola hanging around the house because it is really not a healthy food, even though you might think it is. It can be very high in sugar and calories from oil, dried fruit, and extra sugars. And it can have a lot of preservatives to make it last a long time in your pantry. The alternative to buying granola, even if it’s gourmet and made in a grocery like a Whole Foods house brand granola, is making your own where you control the ingredients. Here is my latest obsession–crunch, fruity granola clusters.

Ingredients:

• 2.5 C old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 C almonds (about half each whole and slivered or sliced)
• 1/2 C pecans
• 2 T ground flax meal
• 2 T sweetened coconut
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• pinch nutmeg
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 C craisins
• 1/3 C raisins
• 1/4 C maple syrup
• 2 T applesauce
• 2 T smooth peanut butter
• 1/3 C brown sugar

Instructions:Boil the wet ingredients on the stovetop and let simmer for 8-10 minutes.

Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl and add the wet to the dry once thickened.

Pour on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.

Bake at 300* for 45 minutes, stirring every 12-15.

Cool for 20 minutes before eating. If you can wait that long.

What I liked best about this granola is that it was crunchy and there were little clumps that stuck together. I have made granola in the past, like here and here, which were good, but this is better. I store it in a tupperware container and it lasts a long time. My favorite ways to eat it are plain as a munchy snack, on top of oatmeal for a crunch, in milk for a little snack, on top of cottage cheese, or in yogurt with a high-fiber cereal.

If you try this one, let me know what you think! It’s one of the best recipes I’ve created.