Easy Maple Granola

2 cups regular old fashioned oats, not quick or instant
1/2 cup nuts
Generous 1/3 cup of pure maple syrup
1/4 cup canola oil
1 to 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries or other dried fruit or more to taste

Also you can add a couple Tablespoons of wheat germ, flax seed, sunflower, pumpkin seeds, etc.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and place rack in the center of the oven. Either butter or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, stir together the oil (or melted butter), and maple syrup.

In a large bowl combine the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, ground cinnamon, and salt.

Pour liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and toss together, making sure all the dry ingredients are coated with the liquid.

Spread onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 30-45 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally so the mixture browns evenly. The browner the granola gets (without burning) the crunchier the granola will be.

Enjoy!