Granola

Granola is one of my favorite things to make because you can whip it up in just a few minutes, and it lasts for weeks (but of course it won't). I've had my experiences with store-bought granola, but I can honestly say that this is far better. Granola is one of those things that you can really tailor to your liking. You can add whatever nuts, dried fruits, seeds, and powders that you want, and it will still turn out beautifully.

Granola

3 cups oats

2 tbsp ground flax seeds

1/3 cup applesauce (or oil)

1/3 cup honey

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 cup slivered almonds

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup dried apricots

Whisk together applesauce, honey, maple syrup, and vanilla. In another bowl, stir oats, flax seeds, apple pie spice, and salt. Combine. 

Place in one layer on a large baking sheet. Bake at 300 degrees for 50-60 minutes, stirring every 15. While the granola is baking, place the almonds on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and just starting to turn golden brown. Be careful- if you take your eyes off of these for even a minute, they will most likely burn (I know from experience)! 

Remove the granola when it begins to dry out and get crunchy. It gets harder as it cools. Once out of the oven, stir in the almonds, cranberries, and apricots (or really any nuts and dried fruit of your choosing).

This granola is great to have for breakfast as a parfait with yogurt and fruit, or even just by itself.