granola

I go through phases of making homemade granola.  My last phase was a long time ago, so another batch of granola was overdue.  It's not hard at all - super fast and much cheaper than store bought granola... it's just remembering to take the time to make it. :)

I like this recipe because it isn't overly sweet and doesn't have much oil.  It has just enough flavor and crunch to make it tasty.  My version below is pretty basic - just oats and and almonds, but dried fruit or coconut would be great additions (I would probably add the dried fruit after baking).

maple almond granola

Ingredients:

4 c. oats

1/4 c. sliced almonds

2 T. ground flaxseed (optional)

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1/3 c. water

1/3 c. real maple syrup

1 generous T. canola oil

2 T. brown sugar

2 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

Combine the oats, almonds, flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl and set aside.

In a small saucepan, stir together the water, syrup, oil, and brown sugar.  Bring to a boil and remove from heat.  Stir in the vanilla.  Pour over the oat mixture and stir until combined.  Spread onto a greased jelly roll sheet and bake at 325 for 35 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes (bake for a few more minutes after stirring the second time).

Enjoy over yogurt, ice-cream, as cereal, on top of cooked fruit as a "mock" fruit crisp... so many possibilities!