Maple Granola

1/4 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup grade A dark-amber maple syrup
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
3-1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup whole almonds, coarsely chopped
1 cup mixed raisins, dried cranberries, and/or cherries

Heat oven to 225 degrees. In a large bowl, combine oil, maple syrup, sesame seeds, coconut, oats, and almonds. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake until golden-brown, about 1-1/2 hours; stir mixture so that it toasts evenly. Transfer warm toasted granola to a large bowl. Stir in dried fruits and let cool. Store in a tightly sealed container at room temperature.

Yields 8 cups.

From Yankee magazine, Nov./Dec. 2010, p. 94.