Handmade Have-It-Your-Way Granola

Handmade Have-It-Your-Way Granola

3 cups old fashioned oats
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil
2 tablespoons water
1/3 cup maple syrup
Flavorings of your choice (see below)

Heat the oven to 250 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar and salt. Set aside.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the oil, water and maple syrup. Bring to a boil, then pour over the oat mixture. Stir until thoroughly coated. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, or until dried and lightly toasted. Allow to fully cool before packaging.

Flavorings:

Dutch apple: Stir 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and 1 cup of walnut halves into the dry oat mixture before baking. After baking, add 1 cup chopped dried apple and 1 cup golden raisins.

Jamaican: Stir 1/2 teaspoon ground mace, 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice, 1 cup cashews and 1 cup large flake unsweetened coconut into the dry oat mixture before baking. After baking, add 1 cup chopped dried pineapple and 1/4 cup chopped candied ginger.

Chocolate cherry: Stir 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder into the dry oat mixture before baking. After the dry mixture has baked and cooled, add 1 cup dried cherries and 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips.

Makes: about 5 cups