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I have always been a fan of good granola.  A few years ago I went on a kick to find a recipe so I could make it myself.  After testing many recipes out, I developed my own version of a maple granola.  I particularly love to use this granola in fruit and yogurt parfaits like the one pictured above.  It couldn’t be simpler really - take your choice of cut fruits (I really love berries) and any flavor yogurt, layer with homemade granola and viola! 

Nicky’s Maple Granola

• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 2/3 cup pure maple syrup (I like grade A)
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 cup almonds (feel free to also use walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts)
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 4 cups old fashioned oats
• 2 1/2 cups dried fruits (I often use cranberries, banana chips, apple rings - you could also use apricots, raisins, blueberries, dates, etc.)

Preheat oven to 350°.

In large bowl combine the cinnamon, almonds, coconut, and oats.  Stir in canola oil and maple syrup to coat evenly.  Spread the granola out on a half sheet pan.  Bake until golden - 20 minutes or so.  Keep an eye on the granola as it cooks and turn it a couple of times during baking.(otherwise, it may burn around the edges) 

Let cool.  Transfer the cooled granola to a bowl with the dried fruits.  Can be stored in air tight container in pantry for 2 to 3 weeks or in freezer for up to 2 months. 

Enjoy!