Friday, September 23, 2011

Nut Free Pumpkin Seed Granola



Fall is here and Halloween is just around the corner so, of course, I have pumpkin on the brain. When I came across pumpkin seeds at the grocery store, I knew a big batch of granola was in order. This version is nut free so the kids can take it to school for a healthy and energy filled snack. I also had a bag of dried blueberries so I threw those in too. That's the great thing about granola - pretty much anything goes! Note: The dried fruit goes in after baking so it doesn't burn.

Ingredients
3/4 c canola oil
1 c maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp chocolate extract (optional)
2 tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp salt
7 cups rolled oats
1 cup wheat germ
1 cup wheat bran
1 cup milled flax
1 cup dried blueberries
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup dried apricots
1 cup raw pumpkins seeds


What to do
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In medium sized pot combine oil, maple syrup,vanilla, chocolate essence, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  • Stir over medium heat until just simmering and remove from heat. Watch carefully and be careful not to burn yourself.
  • Combine oats, wheat germ, bran and flax with salt and pumpkin seeds.
  • Pour oil mixture over oats and stir until well combined.
  • Spread granola on two large cookie sheets.
  • Bake for 40-50 minutes until golden. While baking stir granola every ten minutes to ensure even baking.
  • Remove from oven and cool completely.
  • Place in large bowl.
  • Add dried fruits and combine.
  • Store in air tight containers.
 Enjoy!

4 comments:

  1. Your granola looks yummy! Great flavors and I love your glasses. So cute!

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  2. That looks so good and perfect for Fall! I LOVE the glasses you have them in too!

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  3. Granola is my all time favorite breakfast. And one of the only ones I actually eat at breakfast time. I'm always looking for new recipes for it. Love the spice and pumpkin seed combination!

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  4. Your photos are awesome! What kind of camera setup do you use?

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