Recipe Instructions:
2 teaspoons orange zest (from about 1 ½ oranges, preferably organic)
2 tablespoons sugar
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 ½ cup raw almonds
1 teaspoon fine sea salt (if you’re using standard table salt, scale back to ¾ teaspoon)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil or melted coconut oil
½ cup honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¾ cup raisins, preferably golden
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine the orange zest and sugar. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar until it’s bright orange and very fragrant. This step will ensure that your granola is infused with orange flavor.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, almonds, salt, cinnamon and orange sugar. Stir to combine. Pour in the olive oil, honey and vanilla, and mix well.
Pour the granola onto your prepared baking sheet. Spread the granola into an even layer. Bake for 19 to 23 minutes, stirring halfway, until the granola is turning lightly golden in color. The granola will crisp up as it cools.
Let the granola cool before stirring in the raisins and breaking up the granola into chunks as necessary. Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or keep it in the freezer for longer shelf life.
