Description
Ingredients:
3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon of your choice of the following: Ground cinnamon, Apple Pie Spice, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Authentic Chai Masala or even Chinese Five Spice Blend
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond or maple if you like)
1/2 cup small-dice dried fruit such as: Apricots, Pineapple, Dried apples, Blueberries, Cherries, Cranberries, Raisins, Crystallized Ginger
1/2 cup coarsely chopped raw or toasted nuts or seeds or a combination of such as: Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Walnuts, Pecans, Sesame Seeds, Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds
Other add ins as you wish: Coconut Flakes, Wheat Germ – Really use your imagination!
Directions:
Heat the oven to 300°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Place the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon (or other spices), and salt in a large bowl and stir to combine; set aside.
Place the honey or maple syrup, oil, and vanilla in a small bowl and stir to combine. Pour over the oat mixture and mix until the oats are thoroughly coated.
Spread the mixture in a thin, even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then stir and continue baking until the granola is very light golden brown, about 5 to 15 minutes more.
Place the baking sheet on a wire rack and cool the granola to room temperature, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes, granola will harden as it cools.
Add the fruit and nuts or seeds to the baking sheet and toss to combine. Store the granola in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
