Apple Cinnamon Granola (vegan, gluten-free)

Granola is one of those foods that can be deceptive.  Store-bought granola is usually marketed as healthy but then is packed with non-nutritive sweeteners, additives, and fillers. If you aren't making it at home be sure to read the package for ingredients.  But when in doubt, Make Your Own!

I've been getting great deals on apples.  I have more apples than I know what to do with.  I decided that making apple granola would be a nice addition to my morning yogurt.  I've experimented a lot with granola.  I use all kinds of different grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, and sweeteners.  The real trick to crunchy granola is oven temperature.  I failed at making granola so many times.  I would put it in the oven at my standard 350 degrees and inevitably the edges would burn and the middle wouldn't cook.  I wasn't reading the fine print of the recipes.  With a nice slow, low bake everything gets an even nutty toasting.  I also made sure to do a very fine mince on the apples so that they are better integrated into the granola and dry properly during the baking.    There are a million different ways to make granola, here's one way:



The Basics:
1. Mix ingredients.
2. Bake.
3. Eat.


Recipe:
3 c. oats
2 c. minced apple
1/2 c. chopped raw walnuts
4 tbs. ground flax seed
1 tbs. cinnamon
2 tbs. maple syrup
1 tsp. vanillla
1/2 tsp. salt


Method:
1.Mix and spread evenly the oats, apple, walnuts, flax seed, and cinnamon over the baking pan.

2. Mix in a small bowl the maple syrup, vanilla and salt.
3. Spread over oat mixture and mix in evenly.

4. Bake at 275 for 45 min.or until lightly browned.
5. Allow to cool and store in an air-tight container for up to 7 days.

ENJOY!