Wednesday, October 23, 2013

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 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.


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5 comments:

~~louise~~ said...

Hi Pattie,
I really need to make us some Granola. It's probably a heck of a lot better than this crazy junk food kick I've been on for two weeks now. I just don't know what's come over me. Pass that Apple Jack!

Thanks for sharing, Pattie...

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

I agree, what a delicious and healthy want to start your day. Love all of the spices you've used.
Sam

Natalie said...

We call it muesli in England, rather than granola :) My Dad always makes his instead of buying it pre-packaged. I've been thinking of making some for me and my husband recently, so thanks for sharing the recipe!

I found your blog via Foodie Friday (it's my first week taking part) :)

Madonna/aka/Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon said...

This looks wonderful. I think it would be great if you had weekend company, maybe in a fancy glass with a little yogurt. Pinning.

Miz Helen said...

I love Granola with my yogurt, your recipe looks awesome! Hope you are having a great weekend and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen