Snobby Granola

I am a granola snob. I don't know when or how this happened but I am very particular when it comes to this particular food item. I have a huge dislike for crunchy granola. This also happens to be the most readily available. {Excuse me while I scream and shake my fist to no one in particular} I use to go to a couple of different grocery stores in search of chewy granola. Most of the time it would be a flax seed mix which I normally am not very fond of....but in times of desperation I would lower my standards. The best I have found is at Great Harvest. It has such a spicy, homey, nutmegy taste that makes me want to stay in my pajamas all day. Along with the comfort, it also comes at a steep price. Mixed with yogurt and fresh fruit equals pure magic.

Yesterday I was searching for some Thanksgiving recipes from an old Taste of Home magazine. I came across this recipe and knew it was going to work out in my favor.


{Snobby Granola}

3 1/2 C. quick-cooking oats

1 C. chopped almonds

1 egg, beaten

2/3 C. butter, melted

1/2 C. honey

1 Tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 C. sunflower seeds {I used pumpkin seeds}

1/2 C. flaked coconut

1/2 C. chopped dried apples {I used dried pomegranates}

1/2 C. dried cranberries {I used dried blueberries}

Preheat oven to 350. Combine oats and almonds and pour in large greased casserole dish. Toast for about 15 minutes. Stir once or twice while toasting.

Meanwhile in a large bowl combine the egg, butter, honey and vanilla. Stir in the seeds, coconut, fruit, brown sugar and cinnamon.

After toasting is finished, combine oats with sugar mixture. Press granola back into casserole dish and heat in oven for another 15-20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Don't over cook.....the last thing you want is nasty CRUNCHY granola....yikes!

Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars or do what I did and break into chunks so it can be piled with fresh fruit and yogurt. Oh.Em.Gee!

{Small tip. Make sure the butter is not too hot. The last thing you want is for your egg to cook when it is mixed in with the butter mixture. When adding the egg to the butter, whisk quickly. I didn't have any problems with this but I immediately could see an alternate ending.}

As you can see I did modify it a tiny bit. I love pumpkin seeds! When I came across them in the store I decided it would be a delightful addition. I also used different dried fruit. The blueberries and pomegranates add a lot of flavor. I love the base for this granola and I am excited to be able to try some different mixes. Maybe chocolate chips and marshmallows? Or maybe almonds, chocolate and coconut. MMM! The possibilities are endless. Let me know what you think!? How would you modify this recipe?