Ingredients:
- 3 cups Rolled Oats (Old-fashioned or traditional, not instant)
- 1 cup Pecans (Roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup Almonds (Sliced or slivered)
- 1/2 cup Pumpkin Seeds (Raw, hulled)
- 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Pure Maple Syrup (Grade A or B)
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Or mild coconut oil, melted)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (High quality)
- 1 large Egg White (Room temperature, lightly whisked)
- 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries (Post-bake addition)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to a low 300°F (150°C). Line your large baking sheet completely with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- In a separate, smaller bowl, lightly whisk the egg white until just frothy—no need for stiff peaks.
- Add the maple syrup, olive oil, and vanilla extract to the egg white. Whisk until fully emulsified and slightly cloudy.
- Pour the wet binder over the dry base. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix thoroughly until every flake of oat and every nut is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it into a single, thin, even layer. Gently press the mixture down with your spatula to compact it slightly.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Rotate the sheet 180 degrees (do not stir the granola). Continue baking for another 20–25 minutes. The edges should be golden brown.
- Remove the tray from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. DO NOT TOUCH OR STIR. Allow the granola to cool completely (45 minutes to 1 hour) undisturbed, which is crucial for forming clumps.
- Once stone-cold, break the granola into desired cluster sizes using your hands or a spatula. Stir in the dried cranberries.
- Store the cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.