Pumpkin Spice Granola

The granola that I made a few weeks ago did not last very long in our house so it was just a matter of time before I cooked up another batch. I wanted to switch it up a bit this time and going with the season I decided to add some pumpkin into the mix. Jason and I are headed to New York in the morning so this is the perfect healthy snack/breakfast to take with us on the flight.

This granola would also make the perfect holiday gift for friends or neighbors. Simply add the granola to a jar, seal it and tie with some holiday ribbon. Not only is it simple and affordable but it's a healthy alternative to the usual candy and cookies that are exchanged this time of year, although those are good too.

Pumpkin Spice Granola

Ingredients:
- 4 cups old fashioned oats
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup pumpkin
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 tablespoons light maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds

Directions:
- Mix together oats, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, sugar, salt, cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
- In a separate bowl mix pumpkin, applesauce and syrup together. Add into the dry ingredients.
- On a greased baking sheet spread out the granola mixture.
- Bake on 325 degrees for 20 minutes. Stir granola and bake for another 20 minutes.
- Allow granola to cool then store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a month.