SNACK ATTACK! RECIPE OF THE MONTH: NUTTY GRANOLA

Nutty Granola, pictured made with almonds

It's in the mid-thirties out, winds blowing at a steady 26 miles an hour. No matter which direction you turn, that wind is blowing straight in your face. You've been riding for an hour and have only made it halfway to where you're going. Frustration has a strong grasp on your mental state.  It's time for a snack...and scarfing down an entire large pizza doesn't seem like an irrational or even unpleasant thi do. If only you had some killer road snacks to keep you going.

Originally from Cook's Illustrated magazine, found by the wizard and Rising Star Coffee proprietor Kim Jenkins, comes a simple and delicious recipe for homemade granola that you can easily carry with you on your travels. It can even be modified to cater to your personal taste!

Ingredients

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

4 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup vegetable oil

5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

2 cups (10 oz) raw nuts (almonds, cashews and pecans work great!)

It's All About The Process

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees, and adjust the oven rack to the upper-middle position.

2. Whisk the first four ingredients in a large bowl.  Whisk in the oil.  Fold in oats and nuts until thoroughly coated.

3. Transfer mixture to a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread into a thin, even layer.  Using a stiff spatula, compress mixture until very compact. 

4. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until lightly browned, rotating pan once halfway through.  Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. 

5. Break granola into pieces.

6. Enjoy a delicious road snack!

**dried fruit can also be mixed in with completed granola, if desired.