Apple Pie Granola

Because sometimes you need a break from pastry.

APPLE PIE GRANOLA

3 c. rolled oats

3 T. sugar

2 t. cinnamon

1/4 t. cardamom

1/4 t. cloves

1/4 t. nutmeg

1/4 c. unsalted butter (vegan or dairy)

1/2 c. maple syrup

1/2 t. vanilla extract

1/2 c. dried apples

1/2 c. golden raisins

Set oven to 350 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Add rolled oats, sugar, and spices to a mixing bowl.

Melt butter and syrup in saucepan over medium-low heat until butter has melted. About 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla.

Pour liquid mixture over the stuff in the bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon until evenly coated. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet making sure to take up all the parchment paper.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. At about the 10 minute mark, remove the tray and stir the granola around the sheet paying close attention to the oats that have been out on the perimeter of the tray. There may be a butter puddle that you will need to work back in with the oats. Spread back out and put it back in the oven.

While the oats are baking, chop up the dried apples into granola-sized pieces and measure out your raisins.

Remove from oven when golden brown and oats are forming little oaty constellations. Give it a couple stirs to release it from the parchment paper. Let cool completely. Add diced dried apples and raisins. Store in a bag or big glass jar or something airtight. Eat right out of the jar or in a little mug with a spoon and plenty of oatmilk.