Maple Cinnamon Granola

I’d never really thought I was the type to make my own granola; but when I came across a recipe in Cook’s Illustrated and realized that I had all of the ingredients in my pantry – I figured, why not?  I’m sure it’s way cheaper to make your own and it actually tastes much better – plus, you can adjust the flavors, dried fruits and nuts to be exactly what you want.  I have a feeling I just stumbled upon a new addiction…

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/6 cup real maple syrup (sorry, Aunt Jemima)
• 1/6 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups Old Fashioned Quaker Oats (do NOT use quick oats)
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup raisins

HOW TO MAKE IT

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the oil, maple syrup, sugars, cinnamon and vanilla extract – whisk well
• Pour in the oats and almonds and mix until everything is well coated with the sugar mixture
• Spread the oat mixture out into a thick layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet – press it down with the back of a spatula until is compacted
• Bake at 325°F for approximately 30 minutes (rotate the pan 180° halfway through)
• Remove from the oven and cool for about 45 minutes, then break it apart into chunks of desired size, toss in the the raisins and mix well