Pumpkin Spice Granola

INGREDIENTS

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup protein powder (I used this almond protein powder)

1/4 cup uncooked quinoa

1/2 cup coconut flakes

1/4 cup pumpkin puree

2-3 tablespoons maple syrup (I used 2 tablespoons and it was perfectly sweet for me, but if you things on the sweeter side add an extra tablespoon)

2 tablespoon melted coconut oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (depending on how spicy you like your granola) or 1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

optional add-ins: tart dried cherries, dried cranberries, dark chocolate chips

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, combine oats, protein powder, quinoa, coconut flakes, and pumpkin seeds. Mix.

3. In a separate bowl, add pumpkin puree, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk.

4. Pour wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well.

5. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway.

6. Remove from oven and allow granola to cool. Then, add in cherries and/or chocolate chips.