Maple and Vanilla Granola

Nonstick vegetable oil spray
4 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup ground flax seeds or 1 cup high-fiber hot cereal, if desired
1 cup sliced almonds
1/3 cup (packed) golden brown sugar (or 1/3 cup maple sugar, or a mixture of brown and maple sugars)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup maple syrup
4 teaspoons vanilla extract

Position rack in middle of oven and heat to 300°F. Lightly oil large baking sheet. Mix next 5 ingredients in large bowl. Combine oil and maple syrup in small saucepan; bring to simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour hot liquid over oat mixture; stir well. Using hands, toss mixture until thoroughly mixed.

Spread granola on prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Transfer sheet to rack; cool granola completely. (Can be made 2 weeks ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.)

Makes about 8 cups.


From Epicurious/Bon Appetit, with some changes