My Granola

Mmmmm....mmmm...mmm...mm!  I am proud to say that I have created some fabulous granola! And, guess what?!  I'm actually willing to share the recipe!

Maple Almond Granola with Figs

1/4 cp. Rapadura (or sucanat or brown sugar)

1/2 cp. pure maple syrup

2 TB molasses

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cp. almond butter (or peanut butter)

1 tsp. salt

1 1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. allspice

4 cps. old fashioned organic oats

1 cp. almonds, coarsely chopped 

1/4 cp. flax seeds or flax meal

1/4 cp. sunflower seeds (or sesame seeds)

1/4 cp. shelled pumpkin seeds

1/4+ cp. unsweetened shredded coconut

1 cp. chopped dried figs

Preheat oven at 325 degrees F.  Mix all dry, 

oats -coconut, except the figs together in a large bowl.

Stir the sugar through allspice in a small saucepan over low heat until all is dissolved and mixed smoothly together.

Mix the wet in with the dry, until all is fully coated.

Spread mixture on a baking sheet that is prepared with either butter or coconut oil.  I usually need two baking sheets.  Bake for 10 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.  Now add in the figs and bake for another 5 minutes.

Enjoy!!

You can use any dried fruit and nuts you have on hand.  I had figs this week and discovered how much I love them - and they're a fun different treat from raisins or cranberries.

I am going to turn this recipe into granola bars this week, as well.  I am just going to pack all the granola tightly into the baking sheets that are lined w/parchment paper...pressing down until it is firmly packed together.  I will still bake for about 15 minutes or less, without stirring.  Then, I am going to pull it out and gently lift the parchment paper which is holding the granola and place it on a cooling rack to let it fully cool.  Then, with a very sharp large knife, I will attempt to cut it into bars.  I will post back to let you know if it worked!