Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Maple Granola Crisp

This is a new found favorite. It is quite like the crisp on apple crisp. I promise you the flavors are exquisite, if only you could smell what I am smelling! Not to mention it is really good for you. Serve as a dry cereal, snack, or treat on top of baked apples or frozen yogurt.



Homemade  Maple Granola Crisp Recipe:


Ingredients
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
3/4 cup sliced or slivered almonds
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup (45 grams) raw pumpkin seeds
1/2 tablespoon wheat germ
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup (120 ml) pure maple syrup (preferably Grade A Dark Amber. Pure maple syrup that is labeled Grade A Dark Amber is made later in the season so it has a darker amber color with a stronger maple flavor.)

1 cup dried fruits (cranberries, cherries, apricots, dates, figs, and/or raisins) (optional read label for added sugar, most dried fruits are packed with sugar)

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees and place rack in the center of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl combine the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, ground cinnamon, and salt.

In a small bowl, stir together the oil (or melted butter), and maple syrup. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and toss together, making sure all the dry ingredients are coated with the liquid. Spread onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 30 - 45 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally so the mixture browns evenly. (The browner the granola gets (without burning) the crunchier the granola will be.) Place on a wire rack to cool. You will notice that the granola may still be sticky when it is removed from the oven but it will become crisp and dry as it cools. Make sure to break up any large clumps of granola while the mixture is still warm. Once the granola has completely cooled, store in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator. It will keep for several weeks.

Makes about 5 cups.

Note: Once the granola has cooled completely you can add a variety of dried fruits; cherries, cranberries, raisins, and apricots are popular choices.

be happy be healthy KCL

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