Homemade Granola

There is nothing like fresh, homemade granola...it tastes so much better than what you will purchase in the stores, and it is SO EASY to make! I have experimented with various fruit and nut additions in this recipe, and all combinations are incredibly delicious. The spice and extract combination give the perfect flavor profile. My dad loves this granola so much, I make and send him a fresh batch every three months.

This time, I used sliced almonds, dates, and a dried fruit berry blend of golden raisins, blueberries, cherries, and cranberries from Trader Joe's. How is the finished product, you think? Well, you will just have to make it for yourself to find out.

Yield: 8 cups

Ingredients:

3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
1 cup dried fruit (raisins, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, apricots, etc.)
1/2 cup brown sugar (divided)
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
2 large egg whites
1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice
1 Tablespoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 teaspoons almond extract (no substitutions)


Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, mix oats, nuts, dried fruit, and 1/4 cup brown sugar.

3. In a small saucepan, heat remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar and maple syrup until sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool.

4. Add egg whites, cinnamon, allspice, vanilla extract, and almond extract to sugar mixture. Pour over oat mixture; toss well.

5. Spread mixture evenly on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35 minutes. Turn granola.

6. Bake an additional 20-30 minutes until granola is lightly browned. Cool and store in an airtight container.