New Granola

It's been awhile since I've made dramatically different granola.  I make this version every other week or so but I was wanting a change.  One of the reasons I first started making my own was to avoid the oil & refined sugar in store bought stuff so making a recipe with oil is a bit of a departure.  But, on my quest to cut out sugar (again) for a few weeks before vacation, I was reading some stuff for motivation and was reminded of how our bodies need "good" fats and sometimes a lack of those can be perceived as a sugar craving.  So, this recipe has olive oil & maple syrup as the wet stuff.

Verdict:  Great texture and flavor.  I'd like to use some different nuts to change it up a little more.  Don't skip the teaspoon of salt - it balances the other flavors in the granola.

New Granola with Olive Oil 
makes about 5-6 cups

1/2 c. pure maple syrup
1/3 c. extra virgin olive oil
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cardamom

2.5 c. old fashioned rolled oats
1 c. raw sliced almonds
1/2 c. raw pine nuts
1/2 c. unsweetened coconut (flaked or shredded)
1/4 c. ground flax seed

Mix the syrup, oil, and spices together.  In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut, and flax.  Add the wet to the dry and stir.  If it seems too wet, add more oats.  If it seems too dry, add a little more syrup (or some agave).  Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and bake at 300 for about 40 minutes, checking and stirring every 10-15 minutes.