Anyone else have a small obsession with Trader Joe’s?
They really do have the best snacks, dried fruit, and nut butters. I try and limit myself to TJ’s just once a month because their prices aren’t that amazing and you can’t get “everything” when you shop there. Plus- I always walk out with more than I originally anticipated 😀
This past TJ’s trip, I picked up some of my favorite dried apple rings and pistachios nuts. Two of my favorite fall flavors!
I love combining non-traditional flavors together! Usually pistachios are paired with cranberries and apples are paired with almonds or peanuts.
I paired them together to make the best tasting granola ever!
In ever bite you get…
Crunch
A hint of maple
Sweet cinnamony-goodness
A taste of sea salt
I love making my own granola because you can gage exactly what ingredients you use. Did you know that most granola is made with cane or table sugar? Yup. LOADS of sugar. I actually prefer my granola to only have a tiny bit of sweetness because I usually top my yogurt with it or pair it with a nut milk that already has some sweet in it.
In this particular recipe, I only used 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. For those that like a little more sweet, feel free to add 1-2 more tablespoons of mapley goodness.
You could get crazy and add more yumminess such as:
Other dried fruit
More nuts
Seeds: pumpkin, chia, flax, etc.
Are you a Trader Joe’s Junkie? What are your favorite things to buy from TJ’s?
Basic Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup pistachio nuts, coarsely chopped
1 cup dried apples chopped
¼ cup coconut, shredded and unsweetened
1 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of salt
⅓ cup apple sauce, unsweetened
2 tablespoons coconut oil, room temperature
2–4 tablespoons maple syrup (I used 2)
splash of vanilla
How to make Apple Pistachio Granola
First, preheat oven to 350ºF. Then, line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients so that everything is well combined. Evenly spread mixture onto two large baking sheets.
Bake at 350ºF for about 10 minutes. Toss granola and place back in oven for 8-10 more minutes or until the oats begin to brown.
Let cool. Store in an air-tight container for about a week.