Fruity Chewy Granola

 

Fruity Crunchy Granola  Tall Blonde Cookbook Recipe


Granola is a very personal thing. Everyone has their personal idea of the "perfect" granola mix. This recipe is super easy. There is a basic process to follow and flavor balance is up to you. Below is the basic oats preparation, dried fruits, nuts are added after baking to prevent burning in the oven.

4 cups Old Fashioned Oats, not instant
4 Tbl. brown sugar
4 oz. melted butter
2 egg whites
1 tea. vanilla extract
cinnamon (optional)
salt (optional)

1/4 cup chopped dates
1/4 cup dried blueberries
1/4 cup dried cherries
1/4 cup dried figs
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

OPTIONAL

orange zest
lemon zest
chopped pecans
chopped walnuts
shredded coconut
carob chips
chocolate chips
white chocolate chips
dried strawberries
chopped dried apricots
dried mango
candied ginger
chopped pistachios
raisins
etc...you get the idea

Melt butter in a large bowl, make a slurry adding brown sugar, egg whites, vanilla and any flavor spices you wish to use. Fold in uncooked old fashioned oatmeal ensuring each grain is coated in butter/sugar/egg slurry.

Lay flat on a baking sheet and place in a preheated oven at 325-degrees for approximately 30 minutes, using a spatula stir mixture for even toasting every 10 minutes. Remove from oven when lightly browned, let cool.

Add in all the flavor items of your desire. Store in an airtight container. I keep mine in the refrigerator to avoid aging. (great over coconut flavored yogurt)