Homemade Granola

If you enjoy a good granola, you'll love this recipe.  It was past on to me by a friend who had given me a jar of this delicious treat as a housewarming gift.

• 4 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats (not quick or instant)
• 1/3 cups sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (the real stuff, not imitation)
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp sald
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup raisins

In a large bowl combine the oats and almonds.

In a small sauce pan combine the apple juice, syrup, oil, cinnamon, and salt.  Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring.  Pour over oat and nut mixture.

Take a baking pan, spray, and spread mixture in evenly.  Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees.  Stir every 10 minutes.  Let cool completely.  Add coconut and raisin.

Feel free to toss in other nuts and dried fruits: walnuts, pecans, cranberries, apricots, etc.  It is a very flexible recipe.  I keep my in a sealed container, stored in the fridge.

This is great with fruit and yogurt.

Enjoy homemade granola -- far less expensive than store bought versions, and easier on the sugar too!