Granola Clusters

MizEmerilLagasse's Note:

This is a recipe that I came up with after just being tired of that granola flake stuff that you need a spoon to eat. I wanted something I could pick up when I was on the go, but still something with that wonderful granola crunch. So, this is it. ENJOY!

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
• 2/3 cup flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup your favorite nuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter (try not to use margarine)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup dates, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F In a large bowl, stir together the first 5 ingredients; set aside.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and maple syrup together in the microwave on high.
3. Stir the butter mixture into the dry ingredients and pour onto a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, flip the granola over and bake for about 10 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and toss with the dried fruit while still hot.
6. Serve when cool.

Reviews

[Chef #396471]

I will NEVER buy store bought granola again. This recipe is absolutely amazing and in fact I can't stop eating it! I did cook mine a little longer (30 minutes total instead of 20) and I added 1 tsp of vanilla. TERRIFIC! and easy.

[Bianatree]

Great Recipe - very versatile! I use honey too (never seem to have maple syrup on hand). And I usually use a 6 grain cereal instead of only the oats (again, what I have on hand). I increase the cooking time to about 15 minutes per side and will add in any wetter fruits (like dried apricots or dates) for the last 15 minutes. Thank you so much for the terrific recipe!

[AQueen]

I've made this recipe enough I have started personalizing it. Honey is a good switch from the maple syrup. I find that the base flour/oat/butter/sugar mix can handle about 3 cups of "add ins". I've added almonds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, craisins, raisins, coconut, pecans....it's very versatile. The only thing I do differently is add a capful of vanilla extract and usually cook it a little longer. When I pull it out of the oven I push it together, let it cool and find it clusters even better. Thank you for a great recipe!