• Preheat oven to 250°F and place silicone mat or parchment paper on sheet pan, spread oats evenly on sheet; bake for 20 minutes.
• Melt butter; then add maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt, mix well.
• Place in large bowl with toasted oats and stir well to coat evenly.
• Scoop onto sheet pan, spread evenly all the way to the edges of the pan, then firmly press to form a smooth, even layer.
• Bake for 75 minutes at 250°F, place on cooling rack, allow to cool completely, then break up and place in airtight container, label and date. 

Optional modifications

• Substitute vegan butter or coconut oil for the butter and maple syrup for the honey to make this recipe vegan. Add your favorite nuts to the mix by substituting 1 cup of the oats for 1 cup of nuts. Add texture and flavor by adding things like raisins, cranberries, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips after the granola has cooled completely.