Deedle's Granola

Since everyone's been asking, and because mine's an adaptation of an adaptation (originating with Nigella's Feast) here's the recipe. Matt and I gave this in big mason jars for Christmas. Making it is super easy, though you're going to swear it's not done baking when you pull it out the fourth time. It is. It will crisp up in less than 2 hours. Promise.

Deedle's Granola

3 cups Kashi 7 Whole Grain flakes
2 cups rolled oats
2 or 3 cups nuts, coarsely chopped (I prefer pecans, but use whatever)
1 cup sunflower seeds
3/4 cup untoasted sesame seeds
*1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon dried ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup rice syrup
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons walnut or almond oil

Preheat the oven to 300F

1. In a very large bowl, mix together the flaked grains or oats, almonds, sunflower and sesame seeds, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.

2. In a small saucepan, bring the apple suace with the rice syrup, honey, and oil to a boil for 1 minute.

3. Mix the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until thoroughly dispersed, then divide and spread the mixture evenly on two baking sheets.

4. Bake the granola for 30-40 minutes, stirring every ten minutes, until the granola is deep golden brown.

5. Remove from oven, then cool completely.

Store the granola in a large, airtight container. (Hello Mason Jars!) It will keep for up to one month.

*Sometimes I skip this for a healthier, more savory granola. It's slightly less sweet. I suggest trying it if you're looking to make it more healthy - you can always add it back in next time.