Orange Vanilla Almond Granola
You define the strength of the orange flavor with the addition of a little, or a lot, of orange zest or candied orange peel.
3 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup ground flax meal
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup almonds, roughly chopped or halved
1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 Tbs brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
salt to taste
1 cup dried fruit (raisins, blueberries, cranberries, chopped apricots, etc.)
1-2 Tbs grated orange zest of chopped candied orange peel
Preheat oven to
300ยบ. Generously coat a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl mix the rolled oats, flax meal, wheat germ, and almonds. Stir to mix.
In small bowl add the orange juice, egg whites, maple syrup, brown sugar and vanilla. Whisk to combine.
Pour the orange juice mixture into the oat mixture and stir to coat. Sprinkle with salt and stir again.
Spread the
mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake about 15 minutes,
then stir. Bake another 10 minutes, stir again. Bake another 10, then stir again. Bake until a rich
golden brown in color, watching closely towards the end of the baking to avoid
burning (we baked a total of 38 minutes).
Remove from oven, stir in dried fruits and orange zest or candied orange peel. Cool, then place into airtight containers.
