Golden Granola

Adapted from Chicago Tribune, Food section, September 4, 2011

This sweet, buttery oat-and-nut mix makes a healthy snack or topping for a bowl of fruit and ice cream.

Makes about 7 cups

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups quick-cook rolled oats

1/2 cup chopped NOW Real Food® Natural Almonds*

1/2 cup chopped NOW Real Food® Raw Pecans*

1/2 cup shelled NOW Real Food® Raw Pumpkin Seeds*

1 Tbsp. coarse salt

1/2 cup (1stick) unsalted butter

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 cup NOW Real Food® Organic Maple Syrup*

3 Tbsp. water

1. Mix together oats, almonds pecans, pumpkin seeds and salt in a large bowl. 
2. Make a well in the center.
3. Measure butter, brown sugar, maple syrup and water into a medium saucepan, then bring to a boil (watch closely; syrup will bubble up).  
4. Pour hot syrup into the well. 
5. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until the dry ingredients are thoroughly coated.
6. Divide the mixture evenly between two rimmed baking sheets lined with parchment paper. 
7. Slide sheets into a 300-degree oven. 
8. Bake, rotating trays and stirring the granola every 15 minutes, until golden brown and dry (but not brittle) to the touch; about 35 minutes. Let cool.
9. Tumble into an airtight container; seal. 
10. Keep at room temperature for 2-3 weeks.

*NOW items available at your local health food store