September 28, 2013

Caramel Apple Granola

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Everything about this granola is right.

Clumpy, sweet, crunchy, chock full of autumn flavor and healthy to boot. 

 

Let's break down why this granola is different than all the other apple granola recipes out there. 

I used egg white because I read it helps granola clump more. Since the clumps are my favorite part, I decided to try it, just to see what would happen. It did turn out clumpier, but it might be from not stirring it as much in between bake times. Who knows ... it does give extra protein, I guess! ;)

 
I shredded the apples vs. chopping them just to see what it would turn out like and I really liked the result. The granola is a little chewier in some places because of the apple shreds, but it gives it a stronger apple flavor and more consistent texture. 

I used Rice Krispies. They truly make it crispier!  I've started mixing them into all my granola because of that. 

Finally, I don't know if you can truly call this a caramel sauce, but it's close enough for me.  I cooked coconut oil, brown sugar, honey, and spices together and by iitself, the sauce is strongly spiced and very sweet, but distributed over 6 cups of oats and Rice Krispy cereal, it mellows out into toasty warm granola.  I do believe the way I made it this time have it a deeper flavor boost than others times I've tried this.
 
 
There you have it!  What are you waiting for?  This stuff is so good and healthy for you. I've snacked on if for days (in fact in eating it right now ...) and I love that it fills me up.  If you're gonna eat an apple for breakfast, this is the way to do it!
 

Caramel Apple Granola
Recipe Source: The Sweet {Tooth} Life 
Yield: 6-7 cups

1/4 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup brown sugar 
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon 
1 teaspoon nutmeg 

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla 
1 egg white 

4-1/2 cups oats (add more if it seems too soggy) 
1/12 cups Rice Krispy cereal 
2 medium apples, shredded 

Add ins: raisins and walnuts 

Preheat oven to 325. 

For caramel: Combine first five ingredients in a medium sized pot. Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat until slightly thickened, about two minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for a couple minutes. 

In a large bowl, whisk applesauce, vanilla, and egg white until combined and frothy. Pour in caramel mixture and stir until combined. Add oats, Rice Krispy cereal, and shredded apples and stir until all the oat mixture is coated. 

Spread on two lightly greased baking sheets and bake for 30 minutes. Stir granola and then bake for 10-15 more minutes or until browned. Let cool for at least a couple hours before storing. 

Want more apples?


 
And then Ms. Jocelyn and Ms. Aimee from Inside BruCrew Life and Shugary Sweets (respectively) had an apple week this past week!  Go check their recipes out. In dying to try all of them (especially the caramel apple bars and the pound cake!)

Life has really picked up speed the last couple weeks and I haven't had as much time for the blog world.  The posts may be shorter and not as often, but that doesn't mean I love it any less!  If I seem MIA, I'm probably taking a physics test or at a volleyball game:)  The most exciting that happened this week was family pictures last night and an all day volleyball tournament today.  Have you had a busy week? 
Hugs,
Mary Frances

22 comments:

  1. Yes I have had a verry busy week in fact a verry busy two weeks. Thats how long it's been since I have read your blog. I was wanting to create my own blog for a long time but never got to it. Then I found your blog and you became my inspiration for starting mine which I just started today!!! let me know what you think about it.

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    1. Congrats Mary! I can't wait to read your posts. Busy can be fun, but only for a couple days:) Hope you a wonderful week!

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    2. sorry tried to reply but it came up as a whole new coment well anyways I have not actully posted anything yet but check later today.( I should have posted by then)

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  2. Yes, a very busy week. But then, what week isn't?!
    OOOOHHHH family pictures!!! Please please post them!
    This granola looks FANTASTIC. Mmm mmm.

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    1. So true ... volleyball, school, SLEEP, who has free time? :)
      I'll hopefully get the link to the pictures in the next few weeks. Thanks Chloe!

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  3. So you say egg whites make bigger clumps?? That's purely genius and I'm certainly giving it a try as soon as I have free time... I'm having a very busy week here :((( But this granola looks amazing!!! x

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    1. Thats what I've read! And I REALLY liked how this granola turned out. Hope you get some free/down time soon! Thanks Consuelo!

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  4. Oh I just love assessing the different granola ratios out there! I love using puffed rice and egg whites, too. I think the egg whites help make things crispy and browned the maillard reaction more than they help clump, but either way it always seems like a good addition. Can't wait to the kitchen smell like fall with this recipe! Shredding the apples is a great idea.

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    1. I'm so glad you've tried the puffed rice and egg white before! Isn't it great? I bet you are right about the egg white ... thanks Irina!

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  5. I want to see your family pictures!!!

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    1. I'll hopefully get the link to the photos within the next couple weeks. I really want to see them, too! :)

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  6. Thanks for the invite; I'll check it out!

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  7. That first line could not be more true!!! I actually was searching for an apple granola recipe that uses real apples because I have soooo many apples thanks to an apple orchard visit last weekend. Thanks for making my search easier!

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    1. Ooh, an apple orchard visit sounds like so much fun! Its on my fall bucket list:) Thanks Davida!

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  8. I need to make granola! I love it so much. Problem is...I eat it all. And then it's gone. :) Love that you shredded the apples!

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    1. Haha, me too! I can eat a whole box in a couple days ... its a problem. Thanks Dorothy!

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  9. I love granola and these flavors are perfect for this time of year. :)
    Tina at www.tinaschic.com

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  10. I haven't mad granola in a long time and I need to soon!! this looks so good. I love granola for breakfast ;)

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    1. Oh man, I wish I didn't make granola like I did ... I eat it so fast! I always eat granola for breakfast:) Thanks!

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  11. Yum, yum, yum!! Love this girl!

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