Easy, Nutritious Granola

This granola is full of nutrients, soluble fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Plus, it’s yummy! Note that the recipe makes quite a lot!

Ingredients

5 cups regular rolled oats

1-1/2 cups raw, unsalted cashews

1-1/2 cups shredded, unsweetened coconut

1 cup wheat germ

1 cup chia seeds or ground flaxseed

1 cup slivered, raw almonds

1/2 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 cup olive oil

1 cup pure maple syrup (or honey)

1-1/2 cups dried fruit of your choosing, chopped*

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Prepare 2 cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper and spraying the parchment with cooking oil.

Add all the dry ingredients to a bowl and stir to mix. In a separate bowl, combine the oil and syrup. Pour the liquid onto the dry ingredients and stir until well coated and evenly distributed. Spread in a thin layer between the two cookie sheets. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. About 5-7 minutes before removing the granola from the oven, stir in the dried fruit. Finish the last 5-7 minutes of baking and remove from the oven. Cool and enjoy!

Recipe Notes:

*I like dried cranberries or blueberries but you can also use raisins, dried mango, dried apples, or any other dried fruit you’d like. If there not already in small pieces, chop the fruit before adding it to the granola.