Crunchy Granola

I think I've just made the perfect granola. Sprinkle it over yoghurt and fresh fruits for a quick and easy breakfast, or just snack on it whenever you feel inclined. It takes minutes to make, it keeps for ages and it is light, healthy and sustaining! And it really is one of those things that tastes so much better than the sweet, sickly packet stuff.

I had this this morning before a quick 4 mile run. It didn't take long to digest and kept me going perfectly.

Crunchy Granola
Ingredients

200g unrefined porridge oats
250g mixed nuts – I like flaked almonds, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, walnuts and pistachios. Pecans and hazelnuts are nice too
100g mixed dried fruit – raisins, crystalised ginger, dried apricots, figs and/or dates, chopped (optional)
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp water
2 tbsp sunflower oil or melted butter
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger

Preparation

1. Heat the oven to 180°C.
2. Mix together the oats and nuts with the spices and the honey, oil and water.
3. Spread the mixture evenly onto a large baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, turning the mixture around every 10 minutes or so for it to brown evenly.
5. Leave to cool and crisp up and add the dried fruit if using.
6. Store in an airtight container.