Granola is delicious and so easy to customize to your own preferences. This is my version of a recipe from North Raleigh’s Cooking Coach Mike Davis but feel free to change the nuts, fruit and spices to suit your taste.

Serves 4-6

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/3 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons agave nectar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup blanched and slivered almonds
• 1/3 cup dried cherries

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add oats then cook and stir until starting to brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and spread out on a cookie sheet to cool.
2. Melt the butter in the same pan over medium heat. Stir in the agave nectar, brown sugar, vanilla and cinnamon; cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly. Return the oats to the pan. Cook and stir fo another 5 minures or so. Add the almonds and cranberries. Pour out onto a cookie sheet and spread to cool.