Pumpkin Granola

Pumpkin Granola, has been on my mind since last year. I did not make it, but I thought about it. Last week I made a pumpkin cheesecake to share at an event I attended. I had 1 cup of canned pumpkin left. I have been looking at it in my refrigerator for the last few days pondering its fate.

Well I need granola, so I searched my healthy recipes and tweaked my existing granola recipe a bit. I’ve added flaxseed for the omega-3 fats, used maple syrup as that sounded nice with the pumpkin and added cinnamon too. I have the ratio of oil and sugar as low as they can go and still taste good.

I often make granola for Christmas gifts. I find great bags, and serve family size servings. My friends all love it, rather than giving sweets, or candy. This year I am using this pumpkin recipe, and jazz it up with some colorful dried fruit! Giving healthy home-made gifts is a healthy diet habit that your friends will greatly appreciate!

Ingredients in Pumpkin Granola

• 6 cups oatmeal
• 2 cups sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup freshly ground flaxseeds
• 1/2 cup oat bran
• 1 cup sunflower seeds
• 2 cups unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 t. vanilla
• 1 T cinnamon
• 2 cups raisins to add when cooled (optional)

Directions for Pumpkin Granola

• In one bowl add the oatmeal, nuts, seeds, bran, and coconut.
• In a second bowl add the rest of the ingredients and heat them until hot in the microwave (2 minutes) Stir together until well mixed.
• Pour wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix them well. Use hands if necessary.
• Place on two jelly roll pans.
• Bake at 325 degrees for half an hour, turning every 10 minutes until golden brown.
• Cool and then add the raisins and store in a covered container.
• Serve with milk or as a topping for yogurt or just by the handful!

The cinnamon and pumpkin give this granola a nice flavor. We have been using it as a topping for Greek yogurt and it’s a wonderful dessert treat too! Keep in mind that granola is on the caloric side. A proper serving would be one fourth to half of a cup. I usually leave a half cup serving cup in the cereal jar to remind everyone of the serving size.