Almond Joy Granola

I was craving granola the other day, the last time I had some was when my dear friend Jeanne bagged some of her delicious home made granola for me and sent me home with it. She makes the best. it is not overly sweet, crunchy, and light, [i love a few clusters] and i would choose her above all others any day.

But alas, sweet Jeanne just gave birth to a little one and she has her hands full, although i wouldn't put it past her to be back on her feet in a jiffy, doing all things wonderfully... but sadly i think the granola supply will be going down for a bit..

I was in my kitchen and it dawned on my i could try to make it myself, but i rejected the thought as quickly as it arrived. i had attempted to make it once before, a long time ago, and I failed at it miserably. I did not stir it as it baked, and i burnt it to a crisp, and was so discouraged, i resolved to stick with store bought or if i was lucky to be gifted with it from a knowledgeable granola maker..

That is no way to live. What a horrible attitude to have. So, in a humble state, i decided to try once more my hand at granola. I know its easy for most, but I really have no experience with it, and the little i did, was bad. So, I just thought i can at least try again..

i searched many recipes, and that combined with a vision of what i wanted, I came up with this recipe. I did not have some of the ingredients asked for, so I adapted and didn't mind, because it makes it all the more my recipe and adds my own touch.  I really love mounds and almond joy candy bars so I thought it would be fun to make an almond joy themed granola. that and i found an unopened bag of slivered almonds in my cupboard and knew they would be a perfect add in to the granola.

I am humbled and pleased to announce that this recipe was a success. This granola is sweet and buttery, crisp and flavorful, and is the perfect addition to milk for cereal, or a scoop of your favorite yogurt. My whole family loved it and i didn't even burn it! i stirred it every 10 minutes and was nervous it would stay wet and goopy, but after letting it set after the last stir, it hardened, and looked and tasted the way i was hoping..Clusterful and crunchy, with a wonderful toasty taste, and the smells of vanilla and nutmeg are just heavenly as it bakes in your oven. 

phew. i am glad i gave it another try..

you'll need:

2 cups of old fashioned oats
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
pinch of kosher sea salt
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup butter flavored syrup 
1 tsp Spanish vanilla
4 tablespoons coconut oil, melted

1/4 cup dried cranberries, extra coconut [optional]

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

in a bowl, combine dry ingredients; oats, brown sugar, spices, salt,  almonds, and shredded coconut

in separate bowl, combine wet ingredients and whisk: coconut oil,  syrup, and vanilla. 

Pour wet mixture over dry mixture and mix well. Coat every crumb:)

spread granola mixture on a large baking sheet covered with tin foil or wax paper and bake for about 35 minutes; I took the pan out every ten minutes and stirred it around so everything would cook evenly. I did this 3 times, and the last time i did not put it back in, but let it sit to harden up a bit.

I then added craisens and little extra coconut to give it extra texture and taste.