Ultimate Fruity Granola (from Taste of Home: Healthy Cooking)

5 c. old-fashioned oats

1 c. sliced almonds

1/2 c. sunflower kernels

1/2 c. ground flaxseed

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

1/4 c. maple syrup

1/4 c. honey

2 T. canola oil

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. ground cinnamon

1 t. vanilla

1/2 c. dried cranberries

1/2 c. dried banana chips

1/2 c. dried apricots, halved

In a large bowl, combine the oats, almonds, sunflower kernels, and flax. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, oil, salt, and cinnamon. Cook and stir over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until brown sugar is dissolved and mixture is heated through. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour over oat mixture and toss to coat.

Transfer to a cookie sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown, stirring every 8 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Stir in dried fruits. Store in an airtight container.

*Notes: My almonds were stale, so I had to leave those out, and it made me sad. But, if any of you don't like almonds, I can tell you it is delicious even without them. Next, I actually put in whole flaxseed, instead of ground, and it's awesome. I think I like it better that way. Also, no banana chips in mine. I do add a handful of raisins usually, just for some extra goodness.

This granola is awesome. I am going to be experimenting with lots of granola recipes, so if any of you have you one love, please share.

Per 1/2 c. serving: 253 calories, 10 g fat (2 g saturated), 0 cholesterol, 86 mg sodium, 38 g carbohydrates, 5 g fiber, 6 g protein. Not too shabby!