Pumpkin seeds EVERYWHERE!

So I am absolutely in LOVE with this granola recipe! And frankly, I can't think of an easier and healthier snack to have on hand when you need some ENERGY to get through your day! And since we have dubbed, "October" as pumpkin month, this recipe find couldn't come at a more perfect time!

Pumpkin Granola

DID YOU KNOW?

Pumpkin seeds, also called pepitas, are a natural source of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. They are not only nutritious, but also tasty, having a sweet and chewy texture. Pumpkin seeds can be boiled, baked or eaten raw. They are low-calorie, high-nutritive snacks and can help improve various physical conditions including prostate and bladder problems, as well as depression

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/236670-health-benefits-of-pepitas-pumpkin-seeds/#ixzz2hhluGFOu

Ingredients:

5 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
¾ tsp. salt
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup pumpkin puree
¼ cup applesauce
¼ cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pepitas

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, spices, and salt. Mix well.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pumpkin puree, applesauce, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Pour wet ingredients into oat mixture and stir until the oats are evenly coated. They will be moist. Evenly spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove pan from the oven and stir. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the granola is golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and stir in dried cranberries and pepitas. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
*Note-serve granola with yogurt, milk, or enjoy plain.