Granola

This recipe has been changed so many times I have no idea where it originated ... I always seem to throw it together a different way every time. The base recipe is pretty consistent, you can pretty much add in any spice combination and/or add-in combination you like (coconut flakes vs. nuts vs. banana chips, etc...). I made this a bit healthier by reducing the amount of oil and honey you would typically see in a granola recipe. It still tastes just as good, it's just a bit looser without those covetous clumps everyone loves. 

Granola
4 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup whole almonds, measured then chopped
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup banana chips, measured then chopped
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1-2 tsp spice (cinnamon or ginger or nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice; whatever flavor you like)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup canola oil



Preheat oven to 250 deg F. 


In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, sunflower seeds, banana chips, brown sugar, salt and spice; mix well. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the oil and honey then add to the dry mix and combine well until coated.


Pour the mixture in an even layer onto a large baking sheet. Cook for about an hour, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve even color.


Allow to cool, and add in any dried fruit if you want (raisins, apricots, craisins, etc). Store in an airtight container. 


If you want a maple flavor, substitute the honey with maple syrup.