Pumpkin Granola

Here I go on my pumpkin kick once again! I love fall and finding new recipes that include pumpkin to try... I have been having yogurt for breakfast a lot lately and I like to throw a little something in there that gives it some crunch and this granola seemed like the place to start! I had some troubles getting it to the right crunchiness so I am going to have to try it again - soon! I ended up cooking it longer then the 40 minutes that it called for. It still seemed not as crunchy as I liked but I took it out anyhow. It continued to "crunch up" for lack of a better way of saying it and almost got too crunchy... So, make sure you take it out when it is almost to the texture that you would like it. Play around with it until you get it just right, I know I am going to! :)

Pumpkin Granola
(recipe found at www.cookinchemist.blogspot.com)

5 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup almonds
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 cranberries
1/2 cup pepitas (or pumpkin seeds)

Preheat oven to 325. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a small bowl, combine oats, spices, salt and almonds. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pumpkin puree, applesauce, maple syrup and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until oats are covered. They will be moist. Evenly spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. bake for 20 minutes. Remove pan from oven and stir. Bake for 15-20 more minutes or until granola is golden and crisp. Remove from oven and stir in dried cranberries and pepitas. Let cool completely. Store in airtight container.