Granola

Okay, so once again this isn't a dinner recipe. However, I make it all the time and we all love it. This will make your house smell really good while it's cooking, and it's healthy. I found a recipe that didn't use oil, and made a few small changes to my liking. You can omit the brown sugar if you want to avoid refined sugar- just add a touch more maple syrup. I never knew making granola was so easy! I would have done it years ago.

Granola
3 C. rolled oats
1 C. sliced almonds, raw
1 C. nut of your choice
( i have used pumpkin seeds, which is good- but other raw nuts will work well too.)
1/2 C pure maple syrup
1/4 C brown sugar
2 T honey
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
Raisins or other dried fruit, to taste
optional- 1/4 C ground flaxseed

Mix all ingredients, except dried fruit, together and spread on a cookie sheet, lined with parchment paper. Bake at 300 degrees for approximately 40-45 minutes. Bake on the lowest rack in the oven, stirring every 8-10 minutes for even cooking. I usually throw the raisins in for the last ten minutes. You can also wait until the granola comes out of the oven before you mix them in. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.