Apple Maple Granola

Original post with pictures here.

Yield: 4-6 Cups

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup chopped almonds or cashews*
• 1/4 cup (packed) brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 2-3 tsp ground cinnamon*
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 3 Tbl maple syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla
  
• 1-3 cup(s) (packed) chopped dried apple rings*
  

Process

1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. Combine oats, almonds, sugar, and spices in a large bowl.
3. Melt the butter and maple syrup over low heat. Remove from heat and add vanilla.  Pour over granola mixture and mix well.
4. Spread mixture on a rimmed baking sheet.
5. Bake 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up clumps.
6. Add apples and continue to bake, stirring often to break up clumps, for about 15 more minutes or until granola is golden brown.
7. Cool completely.

Advanced Prep Notes: Can be stored for two weeks at room temp.

*Special Considerations

• Almonds seem slightly healthier, but can be more expensive.  Cashews are a delicious richness and are often a little cheaper.  Both are tasty.
• Recently, I've seen "Sweet Apple Rings" sold in addition to the usual "Granny Smith Rings."  This recipe is geared towards the tangy Granny Smith.  I wouldn't recommend using the Sweet ones, as it's too much sweetness with no contrast, but if you do, I recommend cutting back on the sugar.  (Don't cut back on the maple syrup as you need the liquid to coat.)
• Use the higher quantity of cinnamon if using the higher quantity of apples.
• More apples = more bulky, but also keep in mind they are very high in fiber.  If you haven't been eating a lot of fiber, just expect it might take your system a while to adjust and don't eat it on a day you have a job interview, for example.