Homemade Autumn Granola
I created this recipe in the fall-- when all the pumpkin stuff was hitting the stores! I love indulging in the flavors of the seasons, but really wanted to make a healthier alternative to store bought granolas. Ya know the one with tons of sugar, ingredients you can't pronounce and a ridiculous amount of calories? Ya those! No thanks. I love love love granola! Now, this yummy little creation is a staple in our house and oh my goodness, does it make your house smell amazing while it cooks!!
You can enjoy it for breakfast, on yogurt with fruit or jut as a snack on the go! You could even throw it over some frozen yogurt! MM! So many possibilities! And during the holidays, it makes a sweet little gift to have on hand, if you put it in mason jars with a pretty bow!
Here is how to make it!
Preheat oven to 300.
Dry ingredients-- add all to a large mixing bowl:
-3 cups of old fashioned rolled oats
-3/4 cup sunflower seeds (or pumpkin, you can also sub in slivered almonds)
-1/2 cup of quinoa
-1 cup of dried cranberries
-1/2 to 1 cup of dried apples or pears, chopped
-1/2 cups of chopped nuts (I use raw cashews, pecans, almonds or walnuts)
-3 tsp of pumpkin pie spice
(Alternative ingredients: any dried fruit you like, coconut flakes, chia seeds...etc. Get creative!)
Mix WET ingredients in a sauce pan on medium/low heat.
Wet ingredients:
-1/4 cup coconut oil
-1/2 cup of honey (or maple syrup)
-1/2 cup of pure pumpkin puree
Whisk together in a sauce pan on a medium low heat, until well combined and starts to bubble. Then, you will pour the wet mix in with the dry ingredients until the oat mixture is coated evenly!
Lay the granola mixture out evenly on parchment paper lined baking sheets & bake for 20- 30 minutes! After its cooked, let it cool for 15-20 minutes then break into granola pieces!
ENJOY! If you make it, I'd love to hear how you like it!
