From Everybody Likes Sandwiches, with some fairly major modifications in the ingredients but not the technique.
The author gets very excited about the fact that this granola clumps successfully, and she is right -- it is totally excitement-worthy. Also, I don't think I've ever made anything in my life (not cookies, not fresh bread, nothing) that's made our apartment smell this good. It got J. out of bed this morning, seeking the source of the amazingness.
- 2 c organic large-flake rolled oats
- 1 t cinnamon (I used more than this)
- pinch of nutmeg (I added a pinch of cloves too)
- 1/2 t salt
- 3 T plus 1 t canola oil
- 1/4 c honey (I did half maple syrup)
- 1/4 c firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 t pure vanilla extract
- 2/3 c whole almonds (I skipped)
- 2/3 c raisins (I substituted a handful of chopped mixed fruit and some chopped crystallized ginger)
Preheat oven to 325 F. In a large bowl, toss oats with cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, honey, brown sugar and vanilla until blended. Pour the wet mixture in with the dry and use your hands to combine the two until everything is well coated and your hands are gooey. Lick them if you must, but wash your hands right after.
Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour the mixture over top. Spread it out evenly, but also keep in mind clumping is a good, good thing. Bake for 10 minutes and then use a spatula to gently flip the granola over. Sprinkle with almonds and return to the oven for another 10 minutes. Add raisins and bake for another 5 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan. Use your hands to break up the granola...but again, don't go overboard (remember the clumps!). Place in a tightly lidded container.
