Crunchy Maple Granola

I enjoy snacking on something sweet in afternoon or evening, it’s a bonus when I can find something that is also healthy. One of the reasons I enjoy cooking is because I like to know what I’m eating. Ingredients are important and freshly made foods have fewer additives and more flavour.

Check out this crunchy maple granola. It’s one of my special sweet and crunchy treats that can be enjoyed morning, noon or night!

Ingredients:

3 cups old fashioned rolled oats

3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

2 cups chopped pecans

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 275 F

Line a rimmed cookie sheet pan with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, add oats, coconut and pecan, salt and cinnamon. and mix together.

In another bowl or liquid measuring cup combine and stir the maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Mixing to make sure all ingredients  get incorporated together.

Press the mixture evenly into the pan. Bake at 275 F for 1 hour. Turn the oven to 300 F, rotate the pan and bake for another 15-20 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let cool and firm up.

Break into clusters and store in an airtight container. My “go to” containers are the OXO POP brand, pictured below. More information on these containers can be found @www.oxopop.com

This mixture will keep in room temperature for a couple weeks, but I guarantee that will not last that long.

Tips

Enjoy as is, or add your favourite topping just before serving.

Dried Fruits, chocolate chips make wonderful additions.

Sprinkle over yogurt, ice cream, or fresh fruits.

If you like Overnight Oats, mix equal parts of plain (or Greek) yogurt, milk and the granola. Stir and leave in the fridge overnight. Enjoy the next morning for a fast and nutritious breakfast.