Adapted from Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day
~from Savoring Time in the Kitchen
1/3 cup honey (I try to use local honey, if possible)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/3 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds, pepita seeds or seeds of your choice
3/4 cup chopped nuts of your choice, I like almonds or pecans
3/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1 cup dried cherries, or any dried fruit that you like, such as dates, figs, apricots*
*The dried fruit is optional. Sometimes I leave out the dried fruit and just add fresh fruit when eating the granola with milk or yogurt.
Preheat oven to 350°
Combine the honey, maple syrup, oil, water and vanilla, set aside.
Toss together all of the dry ingredients. (leave the dried fruit, if using, out until after the granola is baked)
Add the honey mixture and toss with a spoon until the oats are well covered.
Spread the granola over the rimmed baking sheets a thin layer.
Bake for 25-30 minutes. After 10 minutes toss the granola with a spoon and rotate the trays from top to bottom so they both bake evenly. Watch carefully toward the end as it starts to turn brown so it doesn’t over bake. It should be a deep, golden brown when finished.
Allow the granola to cool on cooling rack and then put in a large bowl and add the dried fruit, if using. Cover and Store. Keeps several weeks.