Skillet Maple Granola

When a craving hits, toast oats, nuts and seeds in a large skillet along with pure maple syrup to make almost-instant granola. If you want to include dried fruit, add it after the granola comes off the heat.

Ingredients

2 cups (500 ml) old-fashioned (large flake) oats
1/2 cup (125 ml) chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds or a combination1/4 cup (60 ml) seeds, such as sesame, sunflower or pumpkin
1/3 cup (85 ml) pure maple syrup
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
1/4 tsp (1 ml) cinnamon
pinch salt1/2 cup (125 ml) raisins or other dried fruit (optional)

Directions

In a large, heavy skillet set over medium-high heat, toast the oats, nuts and seeds for 3–4 minutes or until starting to turn golden. Add the maple syrup, butter, cinnamon and salt, and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until deep golden. Remove from the heat and if you like, stir in some dried fruit. Set aside to cool.

Makes about 3 cups.

Per 1/4 Cup

179 calories, 6.4 g fat (1.3 g saturated fat, 2 g monounsaturated fat, 3.1 g polyunsaturated fat), 2 mg cholesterol, 23.9 g carbohydrate, 6.5 g protein, 3.3 g fibre.

Originally published in ParentsCanada magazine, February 2014.