Maple Cinnamon Granola

This simple granola recipe features just oats and pecans, flavored with cinnamon, maple syrup, and brown sugar.

I like my granola super simple. I always pick around the seeds, fruits, and nuts that are loaded into most granolas. Just give me some crunchy sweet oats and a nut or two and I'm good!

That's why I wanted to create my own granola. OK, that and the fact that if you were to buy granola at the store it gets really expensive, especially when you are trying to find granola made with clean ingredients or organic brands.

I chose pecans because they are one of my favorite nuts, but you can easily make this with almonds or any nut of your choice. I sweetened with maple syrup AND brown sugar because I love those two flavors together with cinnamon. Granola should be made with a neutral oil like vegetable or coconut. If you use coconut oil you will need to melt it in the microwave before adding to the mixture. The egg white is added to help bind the oats together and create granola clusters.

Also, it is crucial to let the granola cool after baking on the baking sheet. Waiting until it has cooled down to break it up helps the granola harden together and another big part of how to get those clusters. Once it has cooled down, it's ready to break apart.

So, heres a fool proof, perfectly sweetened and crunchy granola to keep in your pantry for snacks or toppings.

Maple Cinnamon Granola

Oats and pecans flavored with brown sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup.

• 2 cups old fashioned oats

• 1 egg white

• 3 tbsp maple syrup

• 3 tbsp oil (coconut or vegetable)

• 3 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white, vanilla, oil and maple syrup.

3. In a large bowl mix together the oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and mix together until the oats are covered.

5. Transfer the granola onto the baking sheet and with your hands or a flat spatula, press together to the edges of the sheet to create a flat, even layer.

6. Bake for 20 minutes then remove from the oven. Let the granola cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before breaking it up.