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© Royalty-Free/Masterfile
4 cups rolled oats
2 cups mixed seeds and nuts, such as slivered almonds, coarsely chopped walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup dried fruit mix, such as raisins, chopped dried apricots, and dates
Preheat oven to 300F (150C). Lightly oil 2 jelly roll pans or large cookie sheets. In a large bowl, stir oats with nuts, seeds and spices. In a small bowl, stir warm water with syrup and vanilla. While stirring, gradually pour into oat mixture. Stir to evenly coat. Spread out on oiled pans. Bake in centre of 300F (150C) oven, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent burning, until granola is crumbly and golden, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately stir in raisin mixture. When cool, store in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 1 month in the refrigerator.
Calories 137, Protein 4.6g, Carbohydrates 17.4g, Fat 6.3g, Fibre 2.7g, Sodium 4mg.
Most store-bought granola is high in fat and calories. By making your own, you can control the fat content and boost the goodness with nuts and seeds. Use it for everything from a healthy snack to a topping for yogurt or a baked apple.
Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Remove cores from 4 unpeeled apples. Firmly pack each apple with about 2 tablespoons (30 mL) granola. Arrange in a baking dish. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon. Bake, uncovered, until tender, about 30 minutes.