Pumpkin Granola

Obviously, you can see a theme here. This week it’s all about the pumpkin. I love homemade granola. Not only does it taste good, but it makes the house smell amazing. This batch has a fall theme. Pumpkin, applesauce and maple syrup bind the oats together so there is no need for butter or oil. When you make this, the pumpkin spice aroma travels throughout the house and lingers for hours – much better than a pumpkin candle!

Pumpkin Granola

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

Directions
Preheat the oven to 325° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a large bowl, combine oats, spices, and salt. Mix well.

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.

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, or enjoy plain.