Ingredients

• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup

• ⅓ cup sugar

• 4 tsp vanilla

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup flax seed oil

• 5 cups old fashioned oats

• 4 cups nuts of your choice (i.e., almonds, pecans, mac nuts, cashews). I like to use 4 cups of honey roasted mixed nuts.

Preparation

1. Bring maple syrup and flax oil to room temperature.

2. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Adjust oven racks to upper middle position.

3. Whisk syrup, sugar, vanilla and salt, then whisk in oil.

4. Fold in oats and nuts. Mix well until well coated.

5. Spread in pan evenly. Bake for 40 minutes, stirring and turning at halfway mark.

6. Turn the oven off and leave in for another 5-8 minutes to make it a little crispier.

7. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
   

I’ve had some good granola in my life, but this is the best ever! A friend shared it with me when she came to visit and I am thrilled to have it and share it with you. I especially love it because I can make it fresh, without any toxic preservatives or ingredients.

Up until the time I tasted this granola, I thought I already found the best brand. Turns out I was wrong. This made me wonder if I am missing out on other things because I’ve already labeled something the best. Is my favorite restaurant REALLY the best out there? Are my best efforts made in life in the past REALLY my best? Isn’t there room for improvement? The life lesson here is that our efforts can always be improved. We are in this life to grow and evolve. There is always more to be explored, ventured, and gained.