Healthy Maple Granola

What do we need:

3.5 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil (or melted butter or any neutral oil of your choice)

1/2 pure maple syrup (you can add more for extra sweetness, you can also choose any liquid sweetener of your choice - I have access to farm fresh maple syrup where I live and I absolutely love it!!)

1 tsp cinnamon powder

1/2 tsp nutmeg powder or pumpkin spice

1/4 cup chopped almonds

1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

4 tbsp chia seeds

3 tbsp pumpkin seeds

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup raisins or cranberries or both :)

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips - optional

I intended to make this fall special but realized I had run out of pumpkin spice blend, and also raisins :( If you have some then you can skip nutmeg powder and add about half a teaspoon of pumpkin spice blend instead :)

This is a very forgiving recipe, feel free to change the flavors or add more as per your preferences :)

How do we make it:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 deg F for 15 minutes.

2. In a large bowl whisk coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon powder and nutmeg powder or pumpkin spice together till they combine well.

3. In another bowl, mix oats, chia seeds, all the nuts (except raisins and cranberries) and pumpkin seeds.

4. Now combine all the wet and dry ingredients together.

5. Line a half sheet pan with a parchment paper and spread the oats mixture on to it evenly.

6. Place the pan in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes at 350 deg F. Until it is slightly brown and crispy. It will get crispier once it cools down.

7. Make sure to stir and mix a little halfway through the baking time. If you prefer chunky and clumpy granola, when you take it out halfway make sure to press the mixture together such that it holds shape in the sheet tray.

8. Let it cool completely before storing it in an air-tight container!!

Time to eat:

1. You can serve with some yogurt and berries or fruits of your choice for a nice and tasty crunch. (make you own parfait!!)

2. You can replace your breakfast cereal with this healthy granola and add fruits and flavors of your choice :)

3. Or simply snack on it :)