Dried Apples and Granola

As you already know, I make my own granola, in order to customize it to my taste and budget. Yesterday, I made about 2 kilos (over 4 pounds) for me, my family and some friends. This time I added walnuts, almond flakes, sesame seeds, raisins and homemade dried apples. Drying your own apples is very easy and it was an interesting experience. Sadly, it's only a bit cheaper than buying them at the supermarket, but at least I can be sure that no sugar was added. 

Drying fruit has been used as a preservation method for centuries, since it allows the fruit to maintain many of its nutritional properties, while allowing us to eat them out of season. Dried fruits are an excellent source of vitamins and fiber and they help us increase the number of fruit servings in our diets!

To begin the process, I washed, peeled and removed the core of 3 big green apples (I like them better than red ones) and cut them in thick rings.

I placed them on a tray and baked them in the oven at low temperature until they dried: smaller size, brownish color, wrinkled texture and no evident moisture. This took about 2 hours. 

Can you see the small wrinkles?

 

After they cooled, I cut them in small pieces to add to my granola. It's that simple!

 

This is what my granola looks like. It's not overly sweet and it keeps me satisfied.  The perfect example of a good meal: healthy (check), tasty (check), affordable (check).

I wanted to give to some friends, so I made these little packages of 100 grams (around 3 ounces) to give them away. I hope to get positive reviews! 

All pictures were taken by me. What do you think? Am I improving?