Delicious Healthy Granola
I keep a container of this in the pantry at all times, as do many of my clients. It makes a great snack by itself or pair it with a 1/2 cup of low fat yogurt or warm milk for a nutritious and great tasting breakfast alternative. Delicious! I recently played around with the recipe and reduced the oil to 1/8th of a cup to cut out more fat and did not lose any flavor. That realy makes me happy!
A pinch of salt
¼ cup brown sugar
1 cup Whole almonds, chopped
¼ cup Canola oil
¼ cup Maple Syrup
Dried fruit such as raisins, dates or apricots (Optional)
Preheat oven to 275 degrees. If you are doubling or tripling the recipe, you will need two large cookie sheets. Place oats, salt, brown sugar and almonds in a large mixing bowl. Make sure these ingredients are well incorporated before adding the rest of the ingredients. After mixing add the oil, and maple syrup. Mix well, making sure all the oats have the coating on it.
Spread onto baking sheet or sheets in a nice flat even layer. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring the mixture up every 15 minutes. (This will make it easier to get out of pan later, and make sure that it cooks evenly). Remove from oven.
If you are going to add dried fruit to it, this is the time to do so. (Don't bake the dried fruit!!) Let cool completely and store in an airtight container. One with a screw top lid is best. Will keep for several months.