Almond and Raisin Granola

There was a time long ago, BC (Before Children), when I was a champion runner.  Well, that's a lie.  In my head I was a champion runner, leaving Usain Bolt quaking in his boots.  The reality of the matter is that I was a plodder, someone who just kept going, not particularly interested in pace, probably concentrating more on what's playing on my ipod than actually challenging myself.  Even up to the beginning of this year when I got pregnant with my third baby, I used to get up at silly o'clock, when everyone else was in bed, and head off for a run for an hour.  That was the only time of the day that was truly my own.  I left all responsibilities, stresses and list of chores behind me for one whole hour and I loved it.  I'd come back from my run and sit down to a bowl of granola and All-Bran.  The oats in the granola kept me going til lunchtime. 

This recipe was originally from "Feast" by Nigella Lawson (really good book by the way).  I've adapted it ever so slightly as I don't think all of the sugar is needed and I've added a little more apple puree so that it all sticks together in little clumps (no, no, that's a good thing!).  Best granola recipe EVER.  I've tried this recipe using walnuts instead of almonds but it didn't work as well since you don't get the same crunch from walnuts.  Hazelnuts are probably a good alternative if you don't have almonds.

Almond and Raisin Granola adapted from "Feast" by Nigella Lawson.

Ingredients
450g porridge oats
120g sunflower seeds
200g apple sauce (I just stewed some apples)
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
100g golden syrup
4 tbsp honey
70g light brown sugar
250g whole almonds
2 tbsp sunflower oil
300g raisins

Method
Preheat the oven to 170C.
Mix everything except the raisins together in a large bowl.  Spread the mixture out on a large baking tray (the sort that come with ovens and are about the width of the rack) and bake for about 40 - 50 mins.  The object is to get everything evenly golden so you will have to toss the granola a few times during the baking process.  Once it's baked, allow to cool and then add the raisins.  Store in an airtight container.