Caramel Apple Granola

Yields about 4 cups

What You Will Need:
2 cups (160 grams) old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup (64 grams) sliced almonds
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of salt
1 cup (about 100 grams) dried apples, cut into small pieces and lightly packed
3/4 cup (169 grams) granulated sugar[Or try honey, or approx. 1/4 tsp. Stevia Extract]
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons butter

What To Do:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oats, almonds, spices, salt, and dried apples. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, stir together the sugar and water. Scrape down sides of pan and let sugar boil over medium high heat, without stirring, until sugar reaches a golden amber color (if using a candy thermometer, this happens somewhere between 325F to 350F). If the sugar becomes too dark, it may turn the caramel bitter. Remove from heat and immediately add the butter, stirring until melted and smooth.

Pour the caramel over the oat mixture and quickly stir to coat evenly. Spread granola evenly onto a baking pan and bake for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the granola is golden in color (if the caramel begins to darken too quickly, remove the granola from the oven to prevent further darkening). Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature before serving or storing.
 
Blessings to: PastryAffair