【Healthier Version】Granola with Nuts and Dried Fruits

It's crunchy, nutty, fruity and full of healthy goodness; who doesn't like granola? The store-bought ones are not so healthy though, as they are often loaded with extra sugar. There are low sugar options for sure, but making my own seems to be the best option overall. It allows me to control both the sugar content, and the choices of ingredients. Double score!

Healthy Granola

You can add in pretty much any extra ingredients you want. Just remember this basic principle: All dried fruits and ingredients which will melt or burn easily (e.g. chocolate chips and shredded coconut) should not be baked together with the granola.

Ingredients：

4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 1/2 cups nuts and/or seeds (slightly toasted)

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla extract

a pinch of fine sea salt

1 cup dried fruit e.g. raisins, cranberries, apricot etc (optional)

I used almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and golden raisins

Steps：

1. Preheat oven to 170°C. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except dried fruits. Mix well.

3. Pour the mixture onto the pan. Spread it in an even layer.

4. Bake for 18-25 minutes until slightly golden, stirring halfway.

5. Let cool completely. Break the granola into pieces with hands and mix in dried fruits (and extra ingredients, if using).

6. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry and shady place.