The Perfect Snack

It's been awhile since my last post but I have exciting news...I'm A New Homeowner!

Yes, that's correct Tyler & I signed the crazy amount of paperwork on Tuesday afternoon. We were packing up everything in our apartment over the weekend, then came moving it all into the new house.  So we were without internet during the move and you never realize how much you depend on it until you are without it for a few days.

Ahhh!!!!

But all is well now...internet up and running. Thanks Goodness! Before we moved out of our tiny apartment and by tiny you never really think it is until you move into a much big house and you can hear an echo throughout the entire place because you have nothing to fill it with.  We really need to go furniture shopping.  Anyways let me get back on track.  The week before we moved out we decide to make a granola mix and since it's Fall a pumpkin or apple mixture seemed to fit the best but which one to choose.  Why Not Both?

Oh and if you have an air freshener in your house go ahead and throw it out because this recipe will have you home smelling of Fall for days.  Trust Me.

Pumpkin Apple Granola Mix

5 c rolled oats

2 apples, peeled & diced
1 medium size pumpkin

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

1 c brown sugar

1/2 c pumpkin puree

1 c applesauce

1/4 c maple syrup

1 1/2 vanilla extract

1 c dried cranberries

1. Preheat the oven to 325 F.

2. Remove seeds from the pumpkin.  Rinse all seeds under cold water to remove all pulp & strings. Evenly place seeds on a non-stick baking sheet. Sprinkle with kosher salt and bake for about 25 minutes or until toasted, half through checking and stirring them. 

3. While pumpkin seeds are baking in a large bowl, combine oats, spices, and salt. Mix well.

4. In a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, apples, pumpkin puree, applesauce, maple syrup and vanilla extract.  Pour wet ingredients into oat mixture and stir until the oats are evenly coated.  They will be moist.  Evenly spread the mixture onto a baking sheet.

5. Bake 20 minutes.  Remove pan from the oven and stir mixture.  Place back in oven for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the granola is golden and crisp.  Remove from the oven and stir in dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds.  Let cool completely.Kitchens & Baths