I’m never buying granola again! Yes, that’s how I feel after making this… and after you make your own, I bet you will feel the same way.  Well, I hope that you would. Many of the items we purchase at the grocery store are also easy to make at home. I literally just looked in my cabinet to see what I had on hand and included it, which can easily be swapped for other types of nuts and spices.

It’s still holiday season (at the time of writing this) so why not make the flavor to be Pumpkin Spice? I used to look forward to the Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks when I used to drink a lot of coffee. Since I don’t anymore, I still try to enjoy the flavor in other ways.

My mom says a more appropriate name for this would be called the Kitchen Sink Granola, because I surely grabbed a whole bunch of things to whip it up. Haha!  Hey, sometimes you just have to go for it… and I’m happy with the result.

I used my favorite spice combination: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and black pepper. I love almonds, so of course this ingredient is automatically included, shredded coconut and pumpkin seeds, which contain amazing nutritional value. (Click HERE for an article on pumpkin seeds.) For the sweetener, I used pure maple syrup and added a bit of non-dairy butter to enhance the flavor.  For extra nutrition, I threw in hemp and chia seeds. Then I mixed it in one bowl and baked it in the oven. In less than 30 minutes, the granola was ready.

What’s your favorite Pumpkin Spice treat during the holidays?

Peace and Love!

Yasmin

♦♦♦

Serving Options: Sprinkle on top of yogurt, eat as cereal and add some raisins, on top of a smoothie bowl, ice cream, by itself as a snack… whatever you want. This is really all about preference here.

Tip: If you opt for coconut oil instead of the non-dairy butter, you’ll need to increase the amount of salt.

Need a quick gift idea?: This would be a great homemade gift for those corporate or family parties, the elephant game, or someone you think might appreciate a gift made especially for them, by you.

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Pumpkin Spice Granola

Yield: approx. 20 oz

Time: 30 min.

Ingredients

1 cup old fashioned oats

1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup raw sliced almonds

1/4 cup hemp seeds

1/4 cup black chia seeds

1/4 cup shredded coconut

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp non-dairy butter, melted (or salted butter)

1/4 tsp fine Himalayan salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

splash of cloves, cardamom, black pepper (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 ° F.

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until the oats are completely covered.
2. Line a cookie sheet or large flat plan with parchment paper.
3. Pour the granola mix onto the cookie sheet and spread it out.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then pull cookie sheet out of oven and use a spatula to gently toss the granola around.
5. Spread the granola flat again and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until it’s golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and allow it to cool. Store in an air tight container in a dark cool place.