Big Clusters Maple Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Granola (vegan, gluten-free)

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup

maple syrup

1/2 cup

honey/agave/brown rice syrup (use the later choices to keep vegan)

1/4 cup

liquid-state coconut oil (canola or vegetable oil may be substituted)

1/4 cup

light brown sugar, packed

2 tbsp

cinnamon (reduce to 1 tablespoon if sensitive to cinnamon, or to taste)

1 tbsp

molasses (not blackstrap, too pungent)

2 tsp

vanilla extract

1 tsp

ground nutmeg

salt, optional and to taste

2 1/2 cups

old-fashioned whole-rolled oats (not quick-cook or instant; use certified GF if necessary)

1 cup

almonds (I used raw unsalted; or use your favorite nut)

1 1/2 cups

dried fruit (I used 3/4 cup raisin medley, 1/2 cup candied ginger, 1/4 cup orange-scented dried cranberries; use your favorite dried fruits, or omit)

1 cup

semi-sweet chocolate chips