Winter Spiced Apple Granola

I haven't made granola in a while and was craving some the other day.  I always have to be very cautious when I have granola lying around the house because I tend to eat it within a few days.  That is a lot of granola to be consuming alone, but sadly, I've almost already plowed through this batch!  It is THAT good!   I was originally planning on making a pumpkin spice granola, but the Thanksgiving holiday kind of pumpkins me out.  So, the snow and the Christmas holiday inspired this idea.  Honestly, the cinnamon chips put it over the top!  As with any granola, you can easily adapt it to your preference.  Add nuts or seeds if you'd like and feel free to swap the flaxseed with wheat bran.  Serve with some yogurt and enjoy!

Winter Spiced Apple Granola
Yield:  About 4.5 cups

Ingredients

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed meal
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp canola oil
• 3 Tbsp apple butter
• 3 Tbsp honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 3 oz. package of dried apples, chopped
• 1/2 cup cinnamon chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Combine dry ingredients (oats, wheat bran, flaxseed meal, spices, and salt) in a medium bowl.
3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring oil, apple butter, honey, and extracts just to a boil.  Stir and pour over dry ingredients.  Mix to combine thoroughly.
4. Bake for 10 minutes; stir.  Bake for 15 minutes; stir.  Add chopped apples.  Bake for 5 more minutes; remove from oven and stir.
5. Let cool then stir in cinnamon chips.
6. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks.