Harvest Granola

 

The fall season is one of my favorite times of the year.  There is just something about the picking of apples, the drinking of cider, the big summer harvest that makes me feel all warm and cozy inside.  Or, perhaps it’s the shot of Apple Jack that I put in my cider, who knows?  At any rate, I thought it was time for a new granola recipe featuring fall fruits and seasonal spices.  Mr. O-P made a veritable pig of himself on this, so let me tell you, that is high praise indeed.  It is a delicious way to start your morning, is perfect alone with a drizzle of milk or cream, makes a flavorful crunchy topping to your regular bowl of cereal, can become an elegant dessert layered between pumpkin mousse or yogurt, or a reasonably healthy snack nibbled straight from the bowl. 

Harvest Granola

4 cups old-fashioned oats

1 cup mixed nuts, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut 
2/3 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Pinch of cardamom

Pinch of cloves

Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 stick unsalted butter

4 tablespoons honey

1 3-oz. package Melissa’s Dried Cranberries

1 3-oz. package Melissa’s Dried Apricots, cut in quarters

1/2cup dried apples, cut in quarters

1/2 cup golden raisins

1/2 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 300°F. Mix first 11 ingredients in large bowl. Melt butter with honey in heavy small saucepan over low heat. Pour over granola mixture and toss well. Spread out mixture on baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add dried fruits; mix to separate any clumps. Continue to bake until granola is golden brown, stirring frequently, about 15 minutes longer. Cool. This granola can be made 2 weeks ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

This post is linked to:

Wow Us Wednesdays

Full Plate Thursday

Foodie Friday