Granola!

Granola is a great breakfast alternative to my usual egg sandwich. I adapted this one from The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone. 

Yield: Approx. 9 c granola
Prep time: ~ 15 min.
Cook time: ~ 50 min.

6 c oats (not quick)
1/2 c canola oil or coconut oil (coconut oil has more flavor, I think!)
1/3 c table syrup or maple syrup (this amount is flexible, 1/3 c will make a sweet granola)
1/4 c maple sugar (or just plain ole' white sugar) opt. depending on how sweet you want it!
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp EACH salt, cinnamon
1/2 c flaxmeal (ground up flaxseeds)
1/2 c lightly toasted, unsweetened coconut
1/2 c sunflower seeds
1/2 c chopped walnuts
3/4 c chopped almonds
opt. 1/4 c flaxseeds
1/2 c EACH craisins (or raisins), chopped dates

Preheat oven to 350. Place oats on large cookie sheet, bake 20 minutes (this toasts them and brings out their natural nutty flavor). Whisk the oil, syrup, sugar, vanilla, salt, cinnamon in one bowl, then pour over the rest of the ingredients EXCEPT for the dried fruit. Add oats, stir well, spread in one layer on 1-2 cookie sheets and bake for 30 (ish) minutes total. Stir after 15 minutes. Add fruit after removing from oven. Cool and put in air tight container. Enjoy with yogurt or milk or over vanilla ice cream.