Cranberry Raisin Granola

Cranberry Raisin Granola

This is my favorite granola recipe and it's from the American Institute for Cancer Research. It's the syrup-honey mixture that makes it. Try experimenting with your own fruit and nut combinations (dried apples are great!) and leave out the ingredients you don't like. I like my granola a little less sweet, so I double the dry ingredients without doubling the syrup-honey mixture.

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Ingredients:

3 c. old fashioned oats
1/3 c. sliced almonds
1/3 c. sunflower seeds
2 T. flax or sesame seeds
1/4 c. maple syrup
1/4 c. honey
2 tsp. canola oil
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 c. dried cranberries
1/2 c. dried raisins
1/2 c. chopped, pitted dates

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine oats, nuts and seeds in large bowl. In small saucepan, heat maple syrup, honey, oil, cinnamon and vanilla until mixture is warm, 2-3 minutes. Stir, then pour over oat mixture. Stir with rubber spatula until evenly coated. Coat large cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. Spread granola to cover pan in even layer. Bake 5 minutes, remove from oven and stir. Repeat every 5 minutes until oats are lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Cool granola in pan. It will get crisp. Store in airtight container 1-2 weeks.