I love cereal.  I don’t really understand this part of myself because, to be perfectly candid, I’m quite a snob when it comes to what I put in my mouth and cereal isn't exactly gourmet.  Does buying the organic cereal that gives part of their profits to saving animals make it more posh?  Nah… Not really.

But gosh, I love a bowl of crunchy cereal with icy cold milk.  Strangely enough, my cereal cravings generally do not arrive until about 8:36 in the evening when I’m working (read: watching The Great British Baking Show).  In the morning, I’m more of a toast and eggs kind of lady.

However, this cereal, which is absolutely homemade and 100% healthful AND delicious, I could eat all day long. 

First, you are going to need to make a batch of apple chips.  Slice them thin, place on a baking sheet and then walk away.  Don’t go too far though, because in an hour you'll have a tray full of crisp, golden, apple chips.

Though the apples are the star player in this recipe, they do not make up the entire granola team.  We are also using dried pineapple, pecans, oats, and cinnamon to add a variety of textures and flavors to our fancy homemade cereal.  A party in a bowl, if you will. 

Oh yeah, now we are going to cover the whole thing in maple syrup.  It’s Fall, we should be covering everything in maple syrup.

The apples and pineapple are sweet and chewy while the pecans are rich and crunchy.  It’s the best kind of balance. 

A splash of cold, whole milk. Or cream, if you're feeling indulgent.  I'm always feeling indulgent.  

Breakfast is served.  Happy weekend.

Sincerely, 

  Pedantic Foodie

Apple & Oat Cereal

makes about 4 cups

for the apple chips

• 1 large sweet apple

Cut apple into paper-thin slices using a mandolin slicer.  Lay the slices out unto a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake for 40-60 minutes, until the edges are crisp and the flesh is golden.  Allow to cool completely before storing.  

for the cereal

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
• 1 cup apple chips, broken up into pieces
• 1/2 cup dried pineapple, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  

In a large bowl combine molasses, honey, salt, and cinnamon.  Stir in oats, pecans, apple chips, and dried pineapple.  Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.  Spread granola out evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment.  Bake for 15-20 minutes minutes or until golden brown, stirring every 3-5 minutes*.  Allow to cool for 30-40 minutes before storing in airtight containers or serving.  Enjoy!  

*The apples can burn easily, so frequent stirring is important.