Homemade Granola

This recipe is based on Nigella Lawson's granola recipe, which I adapted with the addition of some dried fruit and substituting sunflower seeds for pumpkin seeds. If you prefer a fruit free granola, simply leave the fruit out or substitute whatever fruit you prefer. I have made it with and without sesame seeds. The sesame seeds add a distinctive flavour to the granola and add a nice bit of crunch but it is also nice without them, if you don't have them on hand. Some shredded or flaked coconut would also be a nice addition to this granola, but I would suggest not adding it until you turn the granola after the first 20 minutes of baking, as it has a tendency to burn if left in for the full 40 minutes.

This recipe is usually nicely done at 40 minutes for me.

ingredients

4 1/2 cups rolled oats (not instant)
1 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup white sesame seeds
2 cups raw almonds
3/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. kosher salt

1/3 cup brown rice syrup
1/4 cup runny honey or maple syrup
3/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
2 Tbsp. canola or sunflower oil

1 cup sultana raisins
1 cup dried, sweetened cranberries
1/2 cup dried blueberries

Arrange oven racks in top and bottom third of oven. Preheat oven to 310° F.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Combine the dry ingredients (except dried fruit) in a large bowl. Combine the wet ingredients in a small bowl then add to the dry ingredients and mix well.

Spread granola evenly on both baking sheets and bake for 40 minutes to 1 hour, turning over half-way through baking. While the granola is baking, combine the dried fruit in a bowl.

(If you like your granola with clusters, once your remove from the oven, use a spatula to press down the granola while still warm. Once it cools, simply break it up into the cluster size you prefer.)

While the granola is still warm, sprinkle dried fruit evenly over granola then leave on tray to cool completely. Store in an airtight container and as this makes a lot, you may want to refrigerate a portion until it's needed (won't affect the crunchiness at all).

Here are some more granola recipes from around the web that sound good too!

Honey Maple Granola (Sugarlaws)
Homemade Granola (Joy of Baking)
Homemade Granola (The Kitchen Sink)
Homemade Granola (Family Style Food)
Emeril's Homemade Granola (Food Network)
Martha Stewart's Homemade Granola
Barefoot Contessa's Granola (Watch the cooking time on this one - doesn't need 45 minutes in the oven, and it's a shame to overcook and ruin it. About 30 minutes seems right for this recipe).