Friday, May 23, 2014

Easy Granola


Ingredients
* 1/3 cup maple syrup
* 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
* 4 tsp vanilla extract
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 5 cups old fashioned rolled oats
* 2 cups (10 oz) raw almonds, chopped coarse
* 2 cups dried fruit (optional)

Directions
1. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat to 325 F.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla and salt in a large bowl.  Whisk in the oil.  Fold in the oats and almonds until everything is coated.
3. Transfer the mixture to the lined baking sheet.  Spread into a thin layer, and press with a spatula or potato masher until compact.
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until lightly browned, turning once half way though the cooking time.
5. Let granola cool for 1 hour, then break into desired size and store in an airtight container.  If desired, mix in the dried fruit with the cooked granola.

Notes
Wow!  How easy is this granola recipe (originally from America's Test Kitchen)!!!  No stirring required, and very few ingredients.  We made it twice this weekend, and have been enjoying it over yogurt with fresh fruit.  We opted out of adding the dried fruit, though a few of us have mixed in craisins.  This is really fantastic granola - and I just can't get over how easy it is to make!

2 comments:

  1. Would it hold up as granola bars as well, do you think?

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  2. Marcy - it breaks into whatever size chunks you want, and can be eaten that way! :)

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