Granola is an excellent source of fiber and potassium. It’s a magical, delicious mix of oats, nuts, dried fruits and maple syrup or honey. Not only is it beloved by hikers, it’s good for breakfast, a snack, or when mixed in with yogurt and berries, makes for a delicious desert. But store bought granola can be full of artificial sweeteners. Here is a super easy and yet, very healthy granola recipe. It’s sweetness comes from maple syrup (or honey) and the crunch comes from nuts. Make it your own with your choice of nuts.

Servings: 6 cups of granola

Time: 35 minutes including baking time of about 20-22 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats ( or use gluten free oats)
• 1.5 cups mixed nuts – almonds, walnuts and pecans (you can use your own combination of nuts – cashews, pistachios taste great)
• 2/3rd cup maple syrup (or honey)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup olive or coconut oil (I prefer the flavor of coconut oil)
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3rd cup dried cranberries (other dried berries, just watch the sugar in those)
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Method:

• Line a large, rimmed baking sheet or pan with parchment paper while preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts, salt, cinnamon powder.
• Pour into the mixing bowl the maple syrup(or honey), oil and vanilla essence. Stir to combine so all the oats and nuts are coated.
• Evenly layer the mix on the baking sheet and place the sheet in the oven. Set the timer for 10 minutes.
• After 10 minutes, remove sheet/pan from oven and stir the granola so that it browns evenly. Put the sheet back in oven and cook for another 10-12 minutes.
• Remove sheet/pan from oven and cool for an hour, as the granola will further crisp.
• When cool, mix in the dried cranberry and chocolate chips.
• It is now ready to be served or store in an air-tight container.