An easy breakfast staple. It is much tastier than store-bought cereal and keeps well for weeks in jars and Tupperware.

Ingredients:

¼ cup vegetable oil or coconut oil

½ cup maple syrup 

¼ cup honey

½ teaspoon vanilla

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 cups rolled oats

¾ cup pecans, chopped

1 cup almonds, chopped

½ cup coconut flakes 

1/3 cup assorted seeds (chia, sesame, flax)

Optional: dried cranberries, golden raisins, chopped dried peaches, chopped dried apples

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, maple syrup, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. 

Step 3: Stir in oats, nuts, and seeds. 

Step 4: Spread the mixture onto a cookie sheet. I like using parchment paper for easy cleanup, but ungreased cookie sheets are fine too. Bake for 15 minutes. 

Step 5: Take out sheet and sprinkle coconut flakes over the granola. Stir to mix everything around and allow for even cooking. Return to the oven for about 15 more minutes, or until oats are deep golden.

Step 6: Remove from oven and let cool completely. Mix in optional dried fruit. Eat with milk, over yogurt, or by itself as a snack. Store leftovers in glass jars or Tupperware for later use.