Maple Almond Granola

It's Fall. 
I know this because my schedule is completely different.
School has started, but last week the weather didn't cooperate. 
It was hot...especially for Oregon...90+ degrees.
But today, today felt like Fall.
It was a bit chilly and the breeze lifted the leaves, scattering them across into my yard.
Today, I put on a sweatshirt and jeans.
So, what goes with jeans and sweatshirt?  Warm, maple, cinnamon-sprinkled granola.
Now my house smells like Fall too.
This is my favorite time of the year,
       and it's not just because of the granola, but it's a very tasty reason.

Maple Almond Granola

makes about 12 cups

adapted from Maple Pecan Granola from Joy the Baker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped almonds
8 cups old-fashioned steel cut oats
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoons salt

1/3 cup olive oil

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 cup raw honey

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 cup chopped dried apricots

1/2 cup raisins

 

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

 

 

Mix oats, coconut, cinnamon, salt, and almonds in a large bowl.

 

In a sauce pan, heat the oil, maple syrup, and honey until it is combined.

 

Pour the liquid mixture over the oats and stir to combine all of the tasty goodness.

 

Divide the mixture between the two pans, spreading it out evenly.

 

 

Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring the mixture every 20 minutes to make sure that it bakes evenly.

 

Remove from the oven and let it cool. 

Or just let it cool for a few minutes and then spoon some into a bowl for yourself.

That's what I did! :0)

  Enjoy a hug in a bowl.