Dave's Heart Healthy Pumpkin Granola
Liv Life
While
me made a jar for Dave, my husband literally gushed over this recipe
and polished off the rest of the granola in mere days. His comment of
"This is WAY better than the store" warmed my healthy heart and I think I
know what I'm making him for Christmas.
Granola is one of those perfect homemade holiday gifts, simply pour into a pretty jar and wrap with a holiday dishcloth.
2 1/2 cups rolled oats
3 Tbs ground flax meal (We used Bob's Red Mill thank to a giveaway we won from Learning Patience)
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp ginger
pinch ground cloves
pinch allspice
1/4 tsp salt (we tend to go light on salt, adjust as desired)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
2-3 Tbs grape seed oil (may substitute your favorite oil)
2-3 Tbs maple syrup (we used an organic grade B)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 handful dried cranberries or golden raisins
1 handful whole raw almonds
2-3 Tbs salted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Measure
the rolled oats and flax meal into a large bowl. Over the top sprinkle
the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and pinches of cloves and allspice. Add
salt and stir to mix evenly.
In a smaller bowl, add the brown sugar, pumpkin puree, oil, maple syrup and vanilla. Whisk well until the mixture is smooth.
Pour
the whisked wet ingredients over the spiced rolled oats and stir until
the oats are evenly coated. Add the whole raw almonds and stir to
incorporate.
Pour the coated oats onto a silicone mat (or parchment paper) lined baking sheet using a spatula to spread the mixture evenly.
Place
the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Stir the
granola and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Stir again and bake for
another 5-10 minutes, or until the granola is golden. Note: the
granola will crisp up as it cools.
Remove
the golden granola from the oven and allow to cool for about 5
minutes. Add the cranberries or raisins and pepitas, stirring once
again to incorporate. Allow to cool completely before placing in an
airtight container.
Liv Life Note: Your house will smell divine after baking this granola!
