Almond-Cherry-Lavender Crunch

Sharon123's Note:

A great snack, topping ice cream, or sprinkled over oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast! If you can't find lavender, substitute 2 tsp. lemon zest. This is packed with vitamin E and fiber!

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 4 cups

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon dried lavender (or 2 tsp. lemon zest)
• 1 cup rolled oat
• ½ cup dried cherries
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Put butter, honey and lavender in a medium saucepan and warm over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, turn off heat, stir mixture and let it steep for 10 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 350*F. Line a shallow sided sheet pan with wax paper or parchment.
3. Add the rolled oats, cherries, almonds and salt to butter mixture and stir well. Spread mixture evenly on the sheet pan. Bake 20-30 minutes, until golden brown, stirring at least once or twice to ensure even browning. Let cool 10 minutes before eating. Store airtight for up to 1 week. Enjoy!

Reviews

[Mme M]

This is gorgeous! Next time, I'm adding more lavender. This Crunch is better than any other topping I have put on top of yoghurt. It's great as a snack. The cherries are delicious, everything is delicious! Buy organic and make sure you are really treating yourself!

[Cookgirl]

Outstanding! I, too had problems with the granola browning too quickly. What I would suggest is lowering the oven temperature between 315 degrees to 325 degrees. Used local blackberry honey, my own fresh lavender (1/2 tsp.) and dried cranberries instead of the cherries, which I was out of. I will be making this again and again-subbing local hazelnuts for the almonds next time. Love the combination of flavors!

[BestTeenChef]

This was pretty good. After first, when I mixed the oatmeal mixture into the honey/butter/lemon zest(no lavender) it was REALLY SWEET. However when it came out of the oven, you could barley taste the honey at all! I served mine 3 different ways, with milk, maple syrup, and yogurt. Oh and it turned brown very quickly so make sure to keep your eye on it! Mine was done in 18 minutes. Thanks for the recipe Sharon123 !