This recipe was created by Becky Ringsby of SAVOR Specialty Chef Services.

• 2 cups rolled oats (“old-fashioned”)
• 1 cup rolled barley or wheat flakes
• 1 cup slivered or chopped almonds
• 1 cup hulled sunflower seeds
• 3/4 cup raw wheat germ
• 1/4 cup ground flax seed
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 2/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/3 cup canola oil or evaporated skim milk
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. pure almond extract

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.  Line a large shallow roasting pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the oats, barley, almonds, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, salt and nutmeg.  Mix well. In a glass measuring cup, combine the maple syrup and oil or evaporated milk.  Cover and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds.  Or combine in a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat for a few minutes, until the mixture is quite liquid and warm to the touch.  Stir vigorously to combine.  Stir in the vanilla and almond extract. Stir the maple mixture into the oat mixture and mix well.  Spread out in the pan.

Roast for 30-45 minutes, until the granola is golden, stirring every 15 minutes for even cooking.  Do not let the granola get too dark. Place pan on wire rack and let granola cool completely.  It will become crunchy as it cools. Store in an airtight container.  This will keep for about 1 month at room temperature or for about 6 months in the refrigerator.

*This granola is great served with fresh-sliced bananas!  Dried bananas may also be added to the granola.

VARIATIONS: Maple-Cinnamon Granola- Use half maple syrup/half honey for the sweetener, Omit almond extract,  Add 1 tsp. cinnamon with the pinch of nutmeg, Add 1 cup dried cranberries  Apple-Crisp Granola- Add 1 cup apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup on stove) – this is in addition to the oil or milk, Substitute 1/2 cup brown sugar for the maple syrup, Add 1 tsp. cinnamon, Add 1 cup dried apples, chopped.

SAVOR is a specialty chef service that specializes in hands-on cooking classes given in your home. You provide the kitchen and the participants and Becky does the rest! If you would like to contact Becky call the store and we will get your her contact information.