MY CRANBERRY ORANGE OBSESSION...

 It all started with Orange Cranberry Muffins...

Then I found this recipe for Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies the other day that is relatively healthy if you are trying to avoid sugar.
 (http://practicalstewardship.com/2014/12/05/cranberry-orange-oatmeal-breakfast-cookies/)  I liked it okay, but they got too soft for me the next day.  I like crunch.  Needless to say I have tried several recipes lately.  But here is a wonderful crunchy granola recipe I think is a keeper!

CRANBERRY ORANGE SPICE GRANOLA

 This orange spice granola is flavored with orange zest, cinnamon and spices,and loaded with sweet cranberries and crunchy nuts. Author: Alissa from Connoisseurusveg.com, with adaptations from RW

INGREDIENTS

•  ½ cup orange juice (I used 2 real oranges for this)

•  ¼ cup brown sugar

•  ¼ cup maple syrup

•  ¼ cup almond butter (I used fresh made peanut butter)

•  1 tsp. vanilla extract

•  1 tsp. orange zest

•  ¼ cup coconut oil (or other vegetable oil)

•  3 cups rolled oats (I used a mix of quick and old fashioned)

•  1 cup sliced almonds (I used chopped pecans and walnuts)

•  ½ cup shredded coconut

•  2 tsp. ground cinnamon

•  2 tsp. powdered ginger

•  1 tsp. ground star anise* (I did not have)

•  ½ tsp. ground cloves

•  ¼ tsp. salt

•  1 cup dried cranberries

INSTRUCTIONS

1  Preheat oven to 300º. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.

2  Place orange juice, brown sugar, maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract and orange zest into small saucepan. Whisk together and bring to a simmer. Simmer over low heat, whisking very frequently, until thick and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in oil.

3  Stir oats, almonds, coconut, spices and salt together in large mixing bowl. Add orange juice mixture and stir until oats are evenly coated.

4  Spread mixture in 2 even layers on baking sheets. Bake until edges become lightly browned, about 35 minutes.

5  Transfer baking sheets to cooling racks. Allow to cool completely. Add cranberries and transfer to airtight storage container.

NOTE:  I baked it about 10 minutes longer than suggested and also stirred it a few times to get more surfaces toasted.