Above: Dried, syrup-soaked mandarin peels. Not all my citrus peels went into bourbon. A second pile remained, and for this I cooked up a simple syrup (fifty-fifty water and sugar, by volume).

Whole grains, almonds, dried fruit, and maple syrup make this granola is a favorite for readers who love its flavor and easy adaptability. Grace Parisi a former senior test kitchen editor for Food ...