good granola

I find it funny that almost every time someone blogs about granola, they claim that it is THE BEST granola ever. I'm not going to make that claim, but I will say that this IS a pretty dandy recipe. My husband says that it's a keeper, and I'd agree. It's adapted from the NY Times Olive Oil Granola recipe.
Here's my version:

4 cups old fashioned oats
3/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1 cup chopped pistachios
1 cup shelled pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas)
3/4 cup dried fruit of your choice
1 egg white

Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except egg white. Mix well. In a small bowl, beat egg white and pour over the granola mixture. Mix ingredients until evenly coated. Pour onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, or until granola is golden brown. Let granola cool completely and then transfer to an air tight container.

I've been making a batch or two of this granola every few weeks for the last couple of months. My family loves it! It tastes great plain or in milk. Personally, I think it's best when you eat it out of a cute bowl on a handmade place mat. (Of course!)

You can substitute any kind of chopped nuts for the pistachios and pumpkin seeds. I've used cashews, almonds, and walnuts with great success. For the dried fruit I've used  raisins or chopped cherries. Basically whatever combination I have in my cupboard on that day. And it's all good. :)

If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think!