4 cups rolled oats, old-fashioned or quick

¼ to ½ cup brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey

¼ cup canola oil

¼ water

Optional: 1 tsp. Vanilla, 1 to 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 cup raisins, chopped dates, dried apricots, apples, or other dried fruit; ½ cup sunflower or sesame seeds; 1.2 cup wheat germ ½ cup kasha; ½ cup chopped almonds, cashew, or walnuts.

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats and sugar (and cinnamon, if desired). Combine the oil and water (and vanilla, if desired); mix well with the oats.
3. Spread in a large baking pan.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, stir to allow even toasting, then bake 10 minutes more.
5. While the mixture is still hot, stir in the optional ingredients as desired. Let cool.
6. Store in an airtight container.