Custom Granola Clusters

I perfected this recipe so it'd have all my fave granola characteristics: the granola clusters we all crave, equal parts sweet and savory, crunchy but not tooth-cracking hard...and customizable! I've found that making this granola base, and then customizing with mix-ins later (when you serve) is the perfect solution because:

• You can tailor it to each person’s individual taste
• It retains its crunchy texture longer—the moisture in dried fruits can make jarred granola soggy over time, so the solution is to add when serving.

Things To Note:

• You can make this vegan by omitting the egg whites, but be aware that the egg whites are the main secret to cluster formation, so you'll have smaller pieces.
• The custom mix-ins are up to you. feel free to adjust quantities to taste, adding potent things like spices a little at a time so you don’t overdo.
• to add spices later, use a strainer or sifter to get a fine, evenly distributed dusting. add little by little to taste.
• You can certainly add the dry mix-ins to the entire batch (everything but the fruit) if the people in your crowd all have the same taste.
• I prefer to roast the nuts separately (or even better, buy roasted nuts!) and mix in post-bake, instead of adding to the mixture before baking. that way, there's no danger of burning them.
• Baking at a low temp (low and slow!) helps to ensure the granola will be crunchy in the middle, without burning the edges
• The middle of the 'pancake' may take longer to bake. edges and thinner/smaller pieces will brown more quickly, so check oven often towards the end of baking and remove pieces as they brown to avoid burning.​
• this granola makes a great gift! you can package it in a small jar or gift bag, with mix-ins tailored to each individual, and tie with ribbon and gift tag!
• this’d be a delicious addition to your Christmas Day breakfast. Incredible with Greek yogurt, and of course, jarfaits!

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