HIT THE TRAIL GRANOLA

Ingredients:

• 3 cups (255g) old-fashioned rolled oats1
• 3/4 cups (105g) whole unsalted almonds, such as Diamond of California Whole Almonds 2
• 1/2 cup (65g) whole salted cashews3
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (120ml) pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut oil4
• 1/4 cup (60g) almond butter5
• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120g) dried cranberries or raisins (or 1/2 cup each)
• 1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300F degrees. Line one large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Toss the oats, almonds, cashews, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Set aside. In a medium heat-proof bowl, microwave the maple syrup, coconut oil, and almond butter together for about 30 seconds. Alternatively, you may melt these ingredients together in a small pan on the stovetop. Remove from the microwave and using a fork or rubber spatula, stir until everything is melted together and smooth. You may need to microwave it for 10 more seconds or so. Allow to cool down for about 5 minutes (you don't want to cook the egg white!). Once slightly cooled, whisk in the egg white and vanilla. Pour over the oats and toss to coat. Make sure all of the oats are moistened.
3. Spread onto the prepared baking sheet (it usually always fits onto just one-- if too crowded, use two baking sheets and bake at the same time on different racks) and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely - the air will help the granola obtain a crunchy texture. Once cooled, toss in the dried cranberries/raisins and chocolate chips.
4. Make ahead tip: Granola remains fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.

Recipe Notes:

1. Use certified gluten free oats if intolerant.
2.  3/4 cup (53g) sliced or slivered almonds work as well.
3. I prefer salty cashews but unsalted are just fine.
4. Either canola or vegetable oil instead of coconut oil is fine.
5. Any nut butter you like may be used instead of almond butter. Sunflower seed butter works as well.