Maple Vanilla Granola

I sometimes use 1/4 cup canola oil, but I use water when I'm trying to be more health conscious. I also sometimes add 1/4 cup whole cashews. For breakfast, I combine 1/3- 1/2 cup of granola with 1/4 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 cup fat-free yogurt and sometimes some fresh blueberries. I omit the additional salt when I use salted nuts.

• Ready In: 1 hr 25 mins
• Serves: 14-21
• Yields: 7 cups

Ingredients

• 3 1⁄2 cups old fashioned oats
• 1  cup unsweetened flaked coconut (sweetened also works well)
• 1  cup  sliced almonds (or whole almonds)
• 1⁄4 cup roasted sunflower seeds
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 4  tablespoons brown sugar (scant 1/4 cup)
• 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
• 1⁄3 cup water
• 1  tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1⁄4 cup golden raisin
• 1⁄4 cup  dried apricot
• 1⁄4 cup dried cherries

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
2. Heat syrup over low heat for about 3 minutes.
3. Combine with the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well (except the fruit).
4. Spread on two jelly roll pans and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
5. Allow to cool completely before mixing with fruit and storing in an airtight container.