Ingredients:

3 cups Quaker Old Fashioned Oats

2 cups roughly chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)

2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut (rough cut)

1 cup raisins (add in the last 10 minutes so they go plump but do not dry out)

¼ cup dark brown sugar

¼ cup pure maple syrup

¼ cup coconut oil

½ tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp warm water

Method:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees

• In a large bowl combine the oats, nuts, coconut and brown sugar
• In a liquid measuring cup, combine the maple syrup, oil, water and salt.  Give it a whisk until thoroughly mixed.
• Mix the wisked liquid with the oats, nuts, coconut and brown sugar until throughly combined. Mix with hands to make sure the liquid is compeltely absoebed in to dry ingredients.
• Divide the mixture among 2 rimmed baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake until the granola is golden brown all over, 40-45 minutes.  Stir after 20 minutes.  Switch the trays from the bottom rack to the top rack when you give it a stir.  Sprinkle in the raisins for the last 10 min. Take out when the oats are a nice golden brown.  Keep checking the last 10 min so you do not overcook it.
• Remove from the oven and let cool completely on wire racks before storing.   Store in an airtight container.  I use large mason jars with air-tight lids.  Granola can be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to one month.

Here are a few ways you can use your homemade Granola.

1. Sprinkle granola over a bowl of yogurt and fresh berries for a healthy and crunchy breakfast or snack.
2. Add a tablespoon of some nut butter for a crunchy nut butter sandwich.
3. Also great as a snack!  Sprinkle over cottage cheese, and add some fresh fruit. 
4. Mix granola into pancake or waffle batter for added texture and flavor.
5. Incorporate granola into homemade energy bars or protein balls for a quick and nutritious snack.
6. Mix granola with dried fruits, and chocolate chips to create your own trail mix for a convenient and portable snack.
7. Granola stuffed baked apples: Core apples and fill the center with a mixture of granola, cinnamon, and honey before baking for a sweet and crunch dessert.
8. Granola crumbled over salad: Add a crunch to your salad by sprinkling granola on top for extra texture and flavor

 Let me know your favourite way to use granola.