Oat-Almond Granola

Whether for breakfast or an on-the-go snack, granola's surprisingly simple to make. You can always swap out the ingredients to suit your taste, but why not start by building on this basic recipe. Variations: - Replace all or some of the oats with rye, barley or wheat flakes. - Swap the almonds for chopped cashews, filberts or pecans. - Toss in some sunflower, pumpkin or sesame seeds. - Replace the raisins with dried cranberries, pineapple or papaya.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 4 cups

Ingredients

• 3  cups rolled oats
• 1⁄2 cup  sliced almonds
• 1⁄4 cup canola oil
• 1⁄4 cup maple syrup or 1⁄4 cup honey
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup raisins

Directions

1. Mix together all ingredients except raisins. Spread in a shallow pan. Bake for 40 minutes at 325*, turning granola every 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Remove from the oven, stir in raisins and let cool. Store in an airtight container.