1 lb quick oats
3 cups coarsely chopped raw nuts and seeds
1 t cinnamon
½ t cardamom
½ t mace
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup water
½ t salt
2 t vanilla
Dried fruit ( I vary what I use every time I make this)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a food processor or blender grind ½ the oats to a fine powder. In a large bowl, combine the whole oats, ground oats, nuts, seeds and spices. In a microwave safe bowl 9or saucepan over medium heat), combine the brown sugar, butter and water and heat just until the butter has melted and the mixture is bubbly. Stir the mixture together until smooth, and then stir in the salt and vanilla. Pour this mixture over the oats and the nuts; stirring well to coat (this can be done with your hands). It should be uniformly moist-stir another tablespoon or tow of water if it isn’t. Let stand for about ten minutes

Spread the mixture out on a large baking sheet, separating it into irregular clumps with your fingers, and allowing space between the clumps for the hot air to circulate. Slide into the middle of the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Remove from oven and stir, gently breaking up the mixture into small to medium sized clumps. Return to the oven and bake another 15 minutes or so before stirring again. Repeat the bake and stir until the mixture is a uniform golden brown and completely dry; this usually takes 1-1/2 hours. Cool completely, and then stir in any dried fruit you want to use. Store in a covered container at room temperature.