Zack, my husband, has been looking for granola everytime we've gone to the grocery store for the past month or so...he always finds something wrong with the selection they have. I stumbled upon this granola recipe from baking bites (http://bakingbites.com/2008/01/mix-n-match-applesauce-granola/#more-1598) and decided to give it a shot because, hey if I make it, he won't complain! ;-)
This granola is really good and I know Zack will love it.
these are the directions straight from Baking Bites - I didn't change a thing!
Mix-n-Match Applesauce Granola
3 1/2 cups rolled oats
2 cups puffed rice cereal
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
pinch ground cardamom
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup plain applesauce
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
up to 1 1/2 cups chopped nuts (I used sliced almonds)
up to 1 cup dried fruit (I used raisins)
Preheat the oven to 325F and line a large baking sheet (or two smaller sheets) with parchment paper.In a large bowl, combine oats, puffed rice cereal, and spices. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, applesauce (do not use chunky applesauce), maple syrup and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients along with chopped nuts and stir to combine. Spread on prepared baking sheet(s) in an even layer.Bake for 30 minutes, then turn over the granola carefully using a large wide spatula, and bake for additional 15 minutes, until crisp and golden. Depending on the size of your baking sheet, the center might not be fully dried if your granola layer is thick, so if necessary remove the edges of the cooked granola to a cooling rack and let the rest cook for another 10-15 minutes until done.Cool on pan or on a wire rack.Break granola up as desired and stir in dried fruit. Store in an airtight container.
Makes about 8 servings, more depending on add-ins.
Makes about 8 servings, more depending on add-ins.
