Dense, nutty and chewy when served with milk and topped with fresh fruit, muesli is a complete meal in a bowl.

Toasted Muesli

Ingredients

• 4 cups organic rolled oats
• 1/2 cup wheat bran
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 1/2 cup dried apricots
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup almonds, sliced
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Combine oats, bran and wheat germ in large mixing bowl. Add apricots, cranberries and almonds. Stir until ingredients are evenly blended.
3. In small saucepan heat maple syrup and vanilla extract over low heat about 3 minutes or until syrup liquifies. Pour into mixing bowl and stir about 1 minute.
4. Pour muesli mix into two 9-by-12-inch baking dishes. Place onto center rack of oven for 20 minutes. Stir about every 5 minutes until mixture has a dry consistency. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Yield: 8