EASY GRANOLA

Today I am posting a super-easy recipe for granola.  It is no fail and can be adjusted to fit your personal taste.  I like this recipe because it is preservative free, low fat, a great source of whole grains and stores really well. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled and ingredients may be modified or omitted. I have been omitting the honey and substituting water to save a few calories; works great!

Here is what you will need:

 4 cups oats (I like old-fashioned)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups nuts—your choice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup honey or 2 T water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups dried fruit, coconut, etc.

Toss oats, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon and nuts together.  Mix oil, honey or water and vanilla and drizzle over oat mixture.  Stir well to blend ingredients.
Spread mixture on a rimmed pan lined with parchment paper or foil that has been lightly oiled.  Bake at 300 degrees for 35 minutes.  You may want a little more time depending on your personal preference.  Stir halfway during baking time.  Remove from oven and toss in fruit.

Store in an airtight container; may be stored in the freezer.