Almost Too Deliciously Simple to be True - Maple-Vanilla Toasted Oats & Almonds

Do you ever have the feeling that something is just too good to be true? Have you ever felt like a "Doubting Thomas"; like something couldn't possibly be as good as it's made out to be, unless, of course, you experienced it yourself? That's exactly how I felt last week when I saw .................
................. this recipe for Maple Toasted Almonds and Oats. Really? Just three simple ingredients could be that good? Mary's from Barefeet in the Kitchen shared this dressed-down granola recipe. Oats, almonds and maple syrup. Stir it together in less than two minutes. Simple, delicious and healthy was how she described it ..............

Enticed, I had to try it myself and see if just-too-good-to-be true could really be true. Guess what? I'm a believer! Not only can you whip it up in less than two minutes, it takes less than twenty minutes to bake. A few minutes to cool and in under a half hour you've got a crunchy, delicious, super healthy topping for yogurt, fresh fruit, oatmeal or ice cream.

I changed the proportions just a bit to suit our taste; I increased the almonds for more flavor and protein and added a bit of additional maple syrup  to give extra sweetness. For a flavor boost I threw in a some vanilla and a generous pinch of sea salt. I made a double batch and bagged it up in quarter cup servings to help with portion control (it's quite addictive and otherwise I find myself going back for more a few too many times).

I know you're probably thinking this is just too good to be true. You're probably being a bit of a "Doubting Thomas", right?  See, I've got your number! .............. Looks like you're going to have to give this a whirl yourself ................ just to make sure I'm not pulling your leg. You probably have all the ingredients just waiting to go ................. and I am quite certain if you have twenty to thirty minutes to spare .................. you won't be disappointed!

Maple-Vanilla Toasted Almonds and Oats

Ingredients:
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup sliced almonds
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanila extract

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Stir together all ingredients to coat thoroughly. Spread across the parchment paper and bake for 15-18 minutes, stir the mixture after 10 minutes and spread across the tray again before returning to the oven.

3. Let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Use as a topping on yogurt or fresh fruit, oatmeal or for a quick, healthy snack.

Adapted from Barefeet in the Kitchen

PRINTABLE RECIPE