Spiced Raisin and Chocolate Granola

Well, I can already tell how the rest of this week is going to go. I was traveling almost all day yesterday, went to bed late, and was up early to work. I’m still sitting in my pajamas, haven’t had any breakfast, and I really really really need some coffee.

To tell you the truth, I’m a little scared about this weekend. I’m in Dallas for Blissdom with my friends from the California Raisin Board and this hotel alone is anxiety-inducing. It’s humongous.

Luckily, we got in yesterday – before the mad rush of people starts today – but still. Thousands of bloggers in one place? I’m not the best person in big crowds. But I am excited to see what Blissdom is all about! This is my first time attending, and I’m with a great group of bloggers, so I think it’ll be fine. Especially once I have some food and caffeine.

And this is one snack I wish I had more of right now. I threw together this granola earlier this week, and even though I did pack some with me on the plane yesterday, I should have packed more.

I could be having this for breakfast right now instead of dreaming of a croissant and latte being delivered to our hotel room. Pretty sure that’s not going to happen. And I definitely can’t leave here until I do something with my bedhead. So…make some granola and send some my way? Or, if you’re here at Blissdom and want to bring me a latte, I’ll be your new BFF.

Spiced Raisin and Chocolate Granola
Makes: about 2 and 1/2 cups granola

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
• 2 Tbsp light oil, Earth Balance, or butter (could use canola, safflower, coconut, etc)
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp Dixie Crystals brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• pinch salt
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/3 cup almonds
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 1/3 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Heat skillet over medium/high heat and toss in oats.
2. Toast oats, 5-7 minutes, until they turn a slight golden color and smell, well, “toasty”.
3. Remove oats from pan and add oil/butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and salt.
4. Stir together and let cook 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
5. Toss in the oats, walnuts, almonds, raisins, and coconut and stir to coat. Let this mixture cook together 3-5 minutes.
6. Once oats are completely covered with the syrup mixture, pour into bowl or onto baking sheet to let cool. After it has cooled completely, break into chunks and stir in the chocolate chips. Serve with milk or yogurt.

Disclaimer: I have an ongoing partnership with Dixie Crystals. Recipes and opinions are my own.

http://www.branappetit.com/