Pumpkin Spice Granola

Fall is right around the corner...I love making things that make it feel like the season and this is sure to warm everyone's heart and fill their belly's too. I think a home baked fall treat would be a great thank you present, too. You can add in different nuts, extra this or that and double the recipe to make a larger batch.

This is a pretty healthy granola recipe. if you like yours a bit sweeter I'd replace the applesauce for honey or add in a bit more brown sugar.

Pumpkin Granola

Ingredients:

5 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
¾ tsp. salt
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup pumpkin puree
¼ cup applesauce
¼ cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pepitas

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine oats, spices, and salt. Mix well.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pumpkin puree, applesauce, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Pour wet ingredients into oat mixture and stir until the oats are evenly coated. They will be moist. Evenly spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove pan from the oven and stir. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the granola is golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and stir in dried cranberries and pepitas. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

*Note-serve granola with yogurt, milk, plain, put it in a jar with a bow and make somebody's day.