Vegan Oil-Free Granola

Ingredients

• 2 cups oats (certified gluten free if necessary)
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 Tablespoon ground cardamom (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2/3 cups chopped nuts (I used pecans)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350 F.

2. 2

   Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl...: Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl so that the oats are evenly coated.

3. 3

   Pour the granola mixture onto a silicone mat...: Pour the granola mixture onto a silicone mat or parchment paper lined baking sheet. Press down on the granola with the back of a spatula.

4. 4

   Bake for a total of 20-25 minutes (I...: Bake for a total of 20-25 minutes (I bake it for 22 minutes).*

5. 5

   At the halfway point, stir the granola and...: At the halfway point, stir the granola and press down on the granola with the back of a spatula.

6. 6

   Once it’s finished cooking, let cool completely before...: Once it’s finished cooking, let cool completely before breaking it up.

7. 7

   Add in any additional fruit or chocolate at...: Add in any additional fruit or chocolate at this point.**