Maple Syrup - and our Homemade Granola Recipe

Maple Syrup
Every March, Arowhon Pines places an order for 100 Litres of Muskoka maple syrup. It comes from Brooklands Farm on Buttter & Egg Road outside of Bracebridge (http://www.brooklandsfarm.ca/). Farmers Katya & John Riley keep us updated as to how the maple syrup season is progressing. Did you know that there are different grades depending on when it is harvested? There is lighter syrup at the beginning of the season, amber at the height, and dark at the end. We use amber because we both cook with it and serve it on its own. Keep an eye when buying maple syrup at a grocery store – there are "light" or grade "B" labels - these will have a diluted flavor. The best is to go to the farm and get your maple syrup direct from the producer!

Enjoy maple syrup in our HOMEMADE GRANOLA.

Arowhon Pines Homemade Granola

Keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for 2-3 months.

YIELD: 10 cups

DRY MIX:

6 c organic rolled oats

1 c bran

1 c sunflower seeds

1 c wheat germ

1/2 c unsweetened coconut

1/2 c sesame seeds

WET MIX:

1/4 c maple syrup

3/4 c canola oil

1/2 tsp salt

1 TB vanilla

GARNISH:

2 oz walnuts (or other nuts of your choice), roughly chopped

1 oz raisins (washed & dried)

1 oz currants (washed & dried)

AHEAD OF TIME:

All dried fruit comes sprayed with a preservative. It's most important to always run it under cold water, agitating the fruit until water runs clear, usually several times. Drain and place on towel. Roll up for awhile, preferably the day before. Unroll to finish the drying process, pat dry. PS The taste is worth the effort!

METHOD:

- Combine dry ingredients together in large bowl.

- Combine wet ingredients in small saucepan, heat slightly and whisk thoroughly.

- Mix wet into dry and combine well.

- Spread thinly on cookie sheets.

- Bake 30 minutes at 250 deg F, (or 220 deg F in a convection oven), remove from oven, stir, and add nuts and fruit.

- Return to oven and bake 10 minutes longer or until golden.

- Takes 40 minutes, including stirring & checking every 10 minutes.

- Let cool and store in airtight containers. Serve with fresh yoghurt, fruit, and maple syrup!

Enjoy!