How did I not know how easy it is to make granola?
Seriously, this was a fabulous discovery for me — I can customize granola to be exactly how I want it, and in less than an hour? PERFECT.
I think I threw in everything but the kitchen sink here: dried cherries, coconut, almonds and cashews. Gorgeous! I think the next granola-experiment is going to include lemon zest and ginger… mmm.
One of my favourite ways to eat granola is atop Greek Style yogurt, which I have finally managed to find a fat-free version of here in Toronto! Guess what’s for breakfast?
Cherry Almond Granola
Adapted from David Lebovitz’s Top Granola Recipe and Chowhound’s How to Make Granola
Dry Ingredients
- 3 c. rolled oats
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 c. dried cherries, chopped
- 1/2 c. unsweetened, dried coconut
- 1/4 c. cashews, chopped
- 1/4 c. almonds, chopped
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 c. applesauce
- 1/3 c. maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp. roasted walnut oil (optional, or feel free to replace with coconut or vegetable oil)
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. almond extract
Preheat oven to 300F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine Dry Ingredients.
In a pot over medium heat, combine Wet Ingredients, and heat until warm.
Pour the applesauce mixture over the oat mixture, and stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Spread the granola onto a Silpat-lined baking sheet, and bake at 300F for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the granola is browned (a pair of tongs is a great tool for this).
Let cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to a month.
Eat out of hand, with Greek style yogurt and fruit, or turn into cookies, and enjoy!
Kitchen Operas 
I can see me having this for breakfast, lunch, supper & snacks…tho not all on the same day!!
I LUV my oats & this is wonderful combination…again, I thank you!
It sounds so healthy and yummy! I think I’m gonna try this combo soon 🙂
I haven’t made my own granola yet, but when I realized that it would be just as easy (and healthier) to make my own, I put it on my wishlist of foods to make. Your granola looks awesome!
Thanks, Rachel! I’m really happy with it, you must give it a try — super easy!
Tes, you MUST try, delicious!
Jacquie — mmm, I hear you. I think this is a definite staple around here!
Where did you find the fat-free greek yogurt? I’ve been looking all around Toronto. Granola and yogurt is possibly my favourite food. 😀
It’s the new one by Liberte – I finally found it at Loblaws Queens Quay. Apparently other shops have had it for a few months.
DEEEELISH.
Lemon zest and ginger would be fantastic also… let me know how it goes!
I am so impressed with how well the applesauce instead of oil worked out!!! I’ll definitely keep you in the lemon/Ginger loop 🙂
I’ve made granola with applesauce too — and love it!
I like that you use Maple syrup — I’ll have to try that!
Sounds delicious! I make a great chicken salad with dried cherries.
http://michaelbeyer.wordpress.com/2010/09/14/roasted-chicken-salad-with-dried-cherries-and-peanuts/
I’m a granola maker too. I like that you use apple sauce as a wet ingredient.