Ginger Granola Nuggets....You've struck gold!

A simple breakfast staple for many, a necessity for others, granola is definitely my go-to topping for fruit, yoghurt and oatmeal. With its crunchiness, you won't believe how good it tastes. Freshly baked, it snaps with perfection, you won't be able to resist downing the whole batch in less than five minutes! I find this recipe is perfect to curb my cravings. It's there every morning, as I make enough for the whole week. However, if I go back for seconds....that's a different story :)

I love the bite of the ginger, but if you're not a fan of spices, feel free to leave them out or simply reduce the amount compared to what I use. Don't mind me, I'm just obsessed with ginger at the moment, and pumpkin, and all things fall related! It's simple, easy and quick to make, get baking now! :)

Ginger granola nuggets

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups rolled oats (not quick cooking oats!)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 cup apple puree 
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped glace ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (imitation vanilla extract works fine too)

Optional add-ins (add after baking):

• 1/4 - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (I prefer pistachios, peanuts and almonds)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (I'm sure any dried berry would taste just as sensational!)

Method:

Preheat oven to 150 degrees Celsius

1. Place all of the dry ingredients (oats, ground ginger and cinnamon) into a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. 
2. In a medium sized mixing bowl, stir together the wet ingredients (syrup, apple puree, ginger and vanilla).
3. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir to combine.
4. Line one or two baking trays with non-stick baking paper (It depends on how wide your trays are).
5. Spread the granola evenly onto the tray/s. It should be clumped close together, like making granola bars.
6. Place in the oven for 15 minutes.
7. Rotate your trays and bake for a further fifteen minutes (Note: All oven times will vary, so watch your granola carefully or it will burn! Trust me!)
8. Once the granola is crispy and golden brown, remove from the oven and leave to cook completely.
9. Once cooled, break your granola into chunks, or 'nuggets', and place in an airtight container (I recommend a glass jar, as I have found this keeps it fresh for at least a week) and store in a dry place (e.g. cupboard, dry counter-top).
10. INDULGE! :)