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Granola with Almond, Apples, and Ginger

There is a misconception that anything labeled “granola” is a health food. Unfortunately, even though heart-healthy oats are usually the main ingredient, most commercial granolas are loaded with added sugars and oil. This homemade version uses applesauce, dried fruit, and a small amount of honey to add a hint of sweetness. The coating darkens as it bakes, so watch to make sure the granola isn’t overbrowning, especially if your oven has a tendency to run hot.

You can add any dried fruit you prefer (or none!) during the last ten to fifteen minutes of cooking; just be sure to stir the mixture every five minutes for even baking.

Flaxseeds contain fiber and omega-3 essential fatty acids. To get more of the nutrients, it is recommended to grind them first (a coffee grinder works great) to prevent them from passing through the intestinal tract undigested.

Don’t be concerned if the granola is a little soft after baking. It will continue to crisp up as it cools.

12 TO 14 SERVINGS

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

⅓ cup honey

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

½ cup slivered, sliced, or chopped almonds

2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds

½ cup raisins or dried cherries

¼ cup chopped crystallized ginger

½ cup chopped dried apples

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

In a bowl, combine the applesauce, honey, oil, vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger. Add the oats, almonds, and flaxseeds and stir to combine. Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring once. Remove from the oven and stir to redistribute the mixture. Bake for 15 minutes.

Reduce the heat to 300 degrees. Remove the tray from the oven, add the raisins and crystallized ginger, and stir to combine. Bake for 5 minutes. Add the dried apples and stir to combine. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent burning. Cool completely before storing.

PER SERVING
Calories	210
Fat	7 g
Saturated fat	0.5 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	5 mg
Carbohydrate	35 g
Dietary fiber	4 g
Sugars	18 g
Protein	4 g
Calcium	30 mg
Potassium	200 mg