Apple juice sweetened granola

We made several batches of granola last week in class. This wasn't your regular granola. Instead of using loads of oil, butter and refined sugars we used natural sweeteners like mashed bananas, maple syrup, honey and date syrup (pureed dates soaked in hot water).

We're headed to the beach Saturday, and I decided to whip up a big batch of granola to take with us. I had some apple juice in the fridge that was begging to be used. I think it gave the granola a great crunchy texture.

You'll see the recipe calls for a nuts/seeds and dried fruit mixture. Feel free to add your favorites here. I chose a seed mixture of flax, sunflower, and sesame seeds. For my dried fruit I used raisins. Most of the time I dice up apricots and toss after the granola has cooled. Dried cherries, pineapple, golden raisins or cranberries would be tasty too. Enjoy this granola mixed with plain yogurt and fruit for breakfast or as a healthy snack or dessert.

Apple juice sweetened granola
2 c rolled oats
1 tsp cinnamon
dash of sea salt
1/2 c nuts/seeds mixture
1/2 c apple juice (no added sugar)
1/4 c honey
1/2 tsp almond extract
2 tbsp tahini
1/4 c dried fruit

Preheat oven to 300. Mix the dry ingredients (oats, cinnamon, sea salt and nuts) together in a large mixing bowl. In a smaller bowl mix together the juice, honey, almond extract and tahini. Then pour over the oats and mix well. Put a sheet of parchment or foil onto a baking sheet, and then spread your granola over this. Check the granola after 15 minutes, and mix the oats again. Bake for another 15 minutes and remove from heat. After the granola has cooled, mix in your dried fruit.