I am nutty, nutty...

Welcome to La Villa Granola .... Let me introduce to you the main players of this plot:

Hello, My name is Almond, I am a hearty sweet nut, I am highly nutritious and extremely healthy. I am high in antioxidants and I can promise you that in our relationship I will protect your cells from aging and disease...All things considered, I am as close to perfect as a food can get... Hi, my name is Macadamia, let me start with that I am extravagant ...oh did I mention you I am gluten free as well? ...oh yeahhh sugar, I am .....and I guarantee you, I will enrich your life with minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium , manganese and zinc... Here I am....I am Cashew...Because I am delicately flavored, I am a favorite! I am versatile and healthy , unique among other nuts, and I am packed with the vitamins and nutrients essential to good health. The next time you can spend time with me be sure to enjoy the benefits of this amazing nut! Hello, I am Oats , and I am Organic and gluten free ....and because you heard of me, I can tell you I am very popular...I am a good source of fiber, trace minerals and even plant-based protein...and I am flexible and play well as a team player....

And now that you know how life is at the La Villa Granola , let me invite you inside so you can know all of the details....Enjoy!!! * 3 cups rolled oats (use organic and certified gluten-free ) * 1 cup raw nuts ( any kind) * 1 cup seeds (I used sprouted sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds) * A little bit of salt ( I use the pink one) * ½ teaspoon cinnamon/ginger/clove/nutmeg * ½ cup melted coconut oil * ½ cup maple syrup or honey * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract * And this also can be added ⅔ cup dried fruit, chopped if large. 1. Pour in the oil, maple syrup and/or honey and vanilla. Mix well, until every oat and nut is lightly coated. Pour the granola onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer. Bake until golden, about 21 to 23 minutes ( if at 350, or 1 hour and 15 minutes at 250) stirring halfway. The granola will further crisp up as it cools. 2. Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed, before breaking it into pieces and stirring in the dried fruit Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.