Homemade Granola

MAKES ABOUT 7 CUPS

You can fiddle with this recipe, changing up the nuts and dried fruit. Package the granola in cellophane bags and tie off with a nice ribbon. You might include the recipe with this edible gift because they might want to make more for themselves. From Food Gift Love by Maggie Battista. 3 cups (750 mL) rolled oats (not quick cooking) 1½ cups (375 mL) pecans (or other nuts), chopped 1 cup (250 mL) mix of pumpkin and sesame seeds ½ tsp (2 mL) ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom or spice of your choice ¼ cup (60 mL) extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup (60 mL) light or dark maple syrup ¼ cup (60 mL) light brown sugar, loosely packed 1 tbsp (15 mL) citrus zest (optional) 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract ½ tsp (2 mL) fine sea salt 1 cup (250 mL) semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup (250 mL) dried apricot, chopped to match size of other ingredients Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, nuts, seeds and spice. Spread into a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast 10 minutes until fragrant and warm. In a medium pot over medium heat, mix the olive oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, citrus zest (if using), vanilla extract and salt. Simmer about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the sugar is dissolved. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and also carefully pour the sweet mixture over the granola. With an oven mitt in one hand and a rubber spatula in the other, toss the granola with the sweet mixture until well coated. You can pull all the granola into the centre of the baking sheet and mix to coat, then spread the mixture back into a single layer on the baking sheet. Return the baking sheet to the oven for 10 minutes until golden brown. Rotate, as needed, to ensure that it all browns evenly. Let the granola cool in the baking sheet to room temperature. Once it has cooled completely, pour it into a clean large bowl and mix in the chocolate chips and dried apricot. You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one month.