Crunchy maple nut granola

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes 
Makes 13 cups
Per 1/4 cup: 136 calories, 3 g protein, 14 g carbs, 8 g fat, 2 g fibre, 47 mg sodium. 

Ingredients:

• 6 cups large-flake oats
• 2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1 cup pepitas
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries or cherries or raisins

Method:

Position your oven racks in the top and bottom thirds of oven. Preheat to 325 °F. Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment.

Combine oats with nuts, coconut and pepitas in a very large bowl. Sprinkle with cinnamon and salt. Stir oil with maple syrup and vanilla in a small bowl, then stir into granola until well coated.

Divide mixture between prepared sheets and spread out evenly.

Bake in top and bottom thirds of oven, stirring every 12 minutes and switching sheets halfway through, until light brown and toasted, 30 to 35 minutes.

Transfer to a rack and let stand until cool. Toss with dried fruit.

Granola keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Courtesy Claire Tansey
www.chatelaine.com
@chatelaine
@tanseyclaire