Pumpkin Granola-Share the Blessing of Autumn

I love all things pumpkin so when I saw this recipe for Pumpkin Granola on one of my favorite blogs, Two Peas and their Pod, I knew I had to make a huge batch to share with my friends. I tripled this recipe and put it in adorable Autumn-themed containers that I found at the Dollar Tree. I plan to distribute it to my friends and neighbors along with a jar of my homemade hot cocoa mix.

The granola was super easy to make, and my home smelled amazing as the cinnamon and nutmeg aromas spread while baking. This granola would be the perfect topping on a bowl of yogurt for breakfast or a bowl of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream for dessert. You could also put it in ziploc bags to carry as snacks or eat it as cereal in the mornings. Not only can the pumpkin granola be used in many ways, but it is super healthy too! The pumpkin, applesauce and maple syrup replace the need for oil or butter. I replaced the pepitas in the original recipe with roasted sunflower kernels but you could also use almonds or crushed pecans.

Bake a batch for yourself and share some with your friends and family. Attach a handwritten note or scripture verse and share the Love of God with someone who may need His touch in a special way. My favorite scripture to include with food gifts is Psalm 34:8, "Taste and See that the Lord is Good."

Happy Autumn my dear friends! You are dearly loved by your Heavenly Father!

Pumpkin Granola
Ingredients:
5 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup applesauce
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup dried sweetened cranberries
1/2 cup pepitas or sunflower kernels or almonds or crushed pecans

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 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 pumpkin puree, brown sugar, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Pour wet ingredients into the oat mixture and stir until the oats are evenly coated. They will be moist. Evenly spread the oat mixture onto the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 20 minutes. Remove pan from the oven and stir. Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until the granola is golden and crisp. remove from the oven and stir in the cranberries and pepitas (or nuts or sunflower seeds). Let cool completely. Store in airtight containers.