All this nut talk has made me think about snacks, so I decided to share my favorite healthy snack recipe. Everytime I make it, I vary it, but here is the jist of it. this recipe is ok for diabetics, low calorie, low cholesterol, low sat. fat, low sodium... generally heart healthy. It is GREAT for travel. I should have taken some to Boise with me last weekend.

"Knutzy" Granola - named for me of course!

This granola will last a few months in an airtight container and even longer if frozen. It makes around 10 cups.

Ingredients:
2/3 cup frozen unsweetened apple juice concentrate (thawed)
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup almond oil (you can substitute canola oil)
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt (to taste really)
5 cups rolled oats (not instant or quick cooking)
1 cup toasted wheat germ
1 cup whole nuts , chopped (I like alomonds, pecans, walnuts, and/or cashews)
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup dried fruit (I like blueberries, cranberries, cherries, and/or apricots)
Ground Flax seed - as much as you would like...I like quite a bit, but others dont.

1. Preheat oven to 325 F. Coat 2 large baking sheets with cooking spray.

2. Whisk apple juice concentrate, maple syrup, oil, and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over med-high heat. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in cinnamon and salt.

3. Mix oats, wheat germ, nuts, seeds, and flax in a large bowl. Stir in the juice mixture...toss to coat. Spread it evenly onto the baking sheets.

4. Bake for 15 min, stirring once or twice. Reverse sheets so that everthing gets cooked evenly and continue baking until lightly browned (15 more min.). Take out of oven. Stir in fruit. Let cool.