Hey vanilla fans!  Here’s a flavor tweak on my basic Granola recipe.   Still crunchy and sweet, but with a warm vanilla note, gently accented with cinnamon.  Enjoy!

8 cups (28 oz) rolled whole oats
3 cups (11oz) sliced raw almonds
1 tsp  ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp. sea salt
1/2 cup (3 1/2 oz) good quality oil*
3 TB pure vanilla extract
1 cup plus 1 TB (13 oz) honey**
Option 1: 3/4 cup (4 oz) raw sesame seeds

Preheat oven to 300.

Heat honey in microwave until it is warmed through and is runny – about 45 seconds on high.

In a large bowl, mix together the oats, almonds, cinnamon, and salt.  Mix together the vanilla, warmed honey and oil, then add it to the dry ingredients, and blend until combined.

Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.  Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the two parchment lined baking sheets.  Lightly tamp down the granola into the pans into even layers.  Bake for 17 minutes.  At the 17 minute mark, rotate the pans so that the pan that was on the top rack is now on the bottom and vice versa.

Bake for 17 more minutes.  You want the granola to be golden brown and lightly toasty, but not too dark.  Use your nose as a guide – if it smells toasty, and looks golden, then the granola is likely just right.  The granola will become crisp and clumpy after it is cooled.  Don’t worry if it’s a little soft when it’s hot out of the oven.  Allow to cool until room temperature before disturbing the granola to get some nice clumps.  Store airtight.

This granola is lightly sweet, and is great as is or paired with dried fruit.  Add your choice of dried fruit after the granola is baked and cooled.  Serve with milk or yogurt for a fabulous breakfast.

* I have experimented with several different oils in this recipe.  My current favorite is Avocado oil because of its creamy mouth-feel and neutral flavor.  I also use a good extra virgin olive oil on occasion, as I like the savory flavor it imparts, but you are free to use any neutral flavored oil in this recipe.

**Different types of honey will contribute different flavors to your granola.  Start with clover or orange blossom honey.

Note:  I find the use of a kitchen scale particularly useful for measuring ingredients such as honey.  It’s easier, faster, and less messy to use a scale.  Click here for the scale I use.