½cupdried cherriesuse in place of the 1 cup dried fruit above
½cupdark chocolate chips or chunksadd to recipe
For the Apple Cinnamon Version:
1cupraw walnut or pecan halvesuse in place of the nuts above
2teaspoonsground cinnamonuse in place of 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon above
1cupchopped dried apples
Instructions
Place a rack in the upper third of your oven and preheat it to 300°F. Line a 9×13-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, stir together the oats, almonds, pecans, coconut, cinnamon, and salt (plus cocoa powder and additional cinnamon if you are making one of the variations.
In a medium saucepan, combine the olive oil, light brown sugar, and honey. Stir over medium heat, until sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Pour the warm olive oil mixture over the oat mixture. With a wooden spoon, gently scoop and fold, coating the oats, nuts, and spices, until fairly evenly moistened. Spoon the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, press down gently with the back of a wooden spoon, then place in the oven.
Bake for 30 minutes, removing from oven and stirring once every 10 minutes. When finished baking, the granola will be slightly toasted around the edges and smell amazing.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Stir in dried fruit and chocolate (if using).
Notes
TO STORE: Keep leftover granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for 1 month.
Nutritional information is for the classic recipe.