Make the most of apple season with this nutritious and delicious breakfast treat

Apples aren’t just for crumbles or snacking and can be used in so many tasty fall dishes. Since they can last for weeks in your crisper, buy up as many local varieties as you can and take full advantage of the flavour and nutrients that these fresh fall treats have to offer.

 

OVEN-DRIED APPLE PIECES

The goal is to not make crisp apples chips (yet), but rather chewy apple pieces that will then be added to the granola mixture before baking. Together, all of these ingredients will bake together to make one beautifully caramelized and crispy apple granola.

You’ll need: 3 apples

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 225 F.
  2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  3. Core apples and slice into into 3- to 4-mm rings
  4. Chop each ring into four equal pieces, and scatter over parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake in the centre of the oven for approximately 90 minutes.
  6. Once done, remove from oven and use for recipe below.

 

CARAMELIZED APPLE GRANOLA INGREDIENTS

  • ½ cup coconut oil, melted
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • Generous pinch of salt
  • Zest of one lemon
  • 4 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup halved pecans
  • 1 cup toasted coconut flakes
  • Oven-dried apple pieces

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 325 F.
  2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  3. In large bowl, mix together melted coconut oil, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, salt and lemon zest until smooth.
  4. Using rubber spatula, then stir in oats, pecans, coconut flakes and apple pieces and mix until well combined.
  5. Spread mixture evenly over parchment lined baking sheet. Using rubber spatula, press down and pack the granola mixture together to create a tightly packed layer.
  6. Add to oven and bake for 30 minutes, until edges are golden and caramelized.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before breaking into large chunks.
  8. Keep in airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.