The best granola

Ingredients:

• 3 cups plain oatmeal (not quick-cooking)
• 1 cup almond needles
• 1 cup coarse unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1 tbsp coarse salt
• 0.5 cup light brown sugar
• 1/3 tbsp. maple syrup
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (150°C) and lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Combine oats, almonds, coconut and salt in a large bowl.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, syrup, and vegetable oil. Heat over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Pour the sugar mixture over the oats and toss to coat well, then spread the granola evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally (see note), until golden brown, 60-70 minutes.
5. Transfer the mixture to a wire rack to cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
   
   Note
   
   If you prefer a lumpier granola, stir it less frequently. Stirring just twice during baking and then letting it cool will result in a lot of lumps. Once the granola has cooled completely, you can add dried fruit, chocolate chips, cacao nibs, or any other flavoring you like.