Granola

Yesterday the children made granola to have as their snack today.  Many of them took turns helping in the process.  They are really getting used to cooking and now understand they must wash their hands and put on one of the child-sized aprons in order to help.

Pumpkin Spice Granola

Here is a child using a small spice grater to grate the nutmeg.

Adding ingredients, including pumpkin to the pan.

Spreading the granola on the pan for baking.

Enjoying with a bowl of organic vanilla yogurt!  YUM!

Pumpkin Spice Granola

3. c. old fashioned oats

1/2 c. canned pumpkin

1/4 c. honey or brown rice syrup

3 T. vegetable oil

2 T. packed light brown sugar

2 t. vanilla extract

2 t. ground cinnamon

1/8 t. ground ginger

1/4 t. ground nutmeg
Optional: dried fruit, sunflower or pumpkin seeds

Spread oats onto a 15 x 10 inch jelly-roll pan.  Toast in preheated 325 degree oven for 20 minutes, stirring halfway.  Reduce oven temperature to 250 degrees.  Pour toasted oats into large bowl.  If using, add the optional ingredients.  In a medium saucepan, blend pumpkin, honey, oil, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.  Heat gently and stir until honey is melted and incorporated.  Pour over oats.  Toss well to coat and spread in greased (or parchment) pan.  Bake for 30 minutes stirring at 10 minute intervals.  After cooking add fruit.  While still hot, press mixture in to a hard pan with a flat spatula.  Cool and break apart.