Spiced Brown Sugar & Pumpkin Granola

I was very intrigued when I found this recipe at Lisa's Sweet as Sugar Cookies.

I love crunch, so this granola really satisfies me.

And pumpkin isn't just for baking with in the fall...I love it all year long!

After I made it, I got a brainstorm to mix it with fruit and yogurt and make a parfait.  It was as good as it looks. 

I simply layered the granola with sliced bananas and yogurt. 

Of course, you could use whatever fruit you have on hand...even canned.

Delicious and nutritious!


PUMPKIN GRANOLA

1/4 c. canned pumpkin
1/2 c. brown sugar (I used 1/4 c. brown sugar blend)
2 Tbsp. canola or olive oil
1 Tbsp. vanilla
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (I increased the spices)
1 tsp. kosher salt (I used sea salt)
3 c. old-fashioned oats
2 c. nuts (I used almonds)
2 c. dried fruits (I used dried apricots and assorted berries)


Preheat oven to 325F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, sugar, oil, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Add oats and nuts; toss to coat. Spread evenly on baking sheet and bake 30 min., stirring halfway through (I'd recommend letting it go for an hour). Stir in dried fruit and continue baking until oats are just crisp, about 10-15 min. more. Stir one last time; then set aside to cool completely. When hard, break into chunks and store in an airtight container.