Al's BEST GRANOLA EVER

www.theviewfrom32.com/2014/html/dailypg_020614.htm

INGREDIENTS

2 cups rolled oats ("old-fashioned" or "quick," not "instant")
1 cup bran flakes or other crunchy whole grain cereal 
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup walnuts or cashews or a mixture of both. Use raw, not salted and/or roasted nuts.
3/4 cup shredded sweet coconut
4 tablespoons brown sugar
6 tablespoons maple syrup (the real thing, not Log Cabin maple-flavored corn syrup)
1/4 cup canola oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
1 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, etc.)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut, brown sugar and cinnamon (if used). Mix well.

In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup, salt, oil and vanilla (if used).

Combine both mixtures and pour onto 2 sheet pans (I use one big one).

Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve an even color. This is where the toasty magic happens, so don't forget to stir! I usually read or watch TV nearby and set a timer so I don't forget.

Remove from oven and transfer into a large bowl.
 
Add raisins and mix until evenly distributed.

Makes about nine 3/4 cup servings.

Alton Brown's original recipe: 
www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/granola-recipe.html