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I cried a little this morning. Seriously. Today marks my first day back to work for the 2012 school year and although I know that I shouldn’t be complaining about 2.5 months off, I’m still going to.
I’ve mentioned before that I not a morning person, in fact, I don’t think I really utter full sentences until I’ve been up for at least a couple of hours. I like my sleep and I loathe waking up to alarms – yes, that’s more whining.
Since I don’t get a ton of sleep during the school days, I’m self-professed serial snoozer. Meaning I hit the snooze buttons about 10 times each morning. This annoying habit means that I am always in a hurry and can barely brew a cup of coffee before I have to literally run out the door.
This means that my breakfasts and lunches need to be prepared the night before or I’ll end up noshing on cheese curls and gummy bears at 9 am – not that I’ve ever done such a thing.
When the lovely folks at Become A Better Baker asked me to create a back to school breakfast recipe, I knew I had to share my favorite meal for rushed, school day mornings.
Rolled oats are flavored with honey, pure maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice, then tossed with pecans and dried fruit to create a delectable breakfast. The intoxicating aroma and flavors of pumpkin pie spice are perfect for the upcoming, brisk fall mornings.
Homemade granola is perfect for munching on straight from the jar, served with fresh fruit and a splash of low-fat milk or my personal favorite – homemade fruit and yogurt parfaits.
Simply package fresh fruit, granola and your favorite yogurt into reusable containers and mix them at your desk or in the lunchroom for a satisfying, delicious breakfast or lunch.
Be sure to join Become A Better Baker on Facebook for more back to school ideas, tips and fantastic recipes.
[pinit]
Pumpkin Pie Granola
Ingredients:
4 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup shredded coconut such as Durkee Flaked Coconut
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine oats, pecans and coconut; set aside.
2. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, oil, honey, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice; bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla.
3. Pour over oat mixture; stir to coat. Spread in a large shallow baking pan.
4. Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool.
5. Add raisins and dried cranberries. Store in an airtight container.
Notes:
- You can use any combination of dried fruit in this granola. Dried cherries, bluberries and dates are a fantastic addition.
Follow Jamie on Instagram. We love to see what you're baking from MBA! Be sure to tag @jamiemba and use the hashtag #mbarecipes!
DISCLOSURE
This is a sponsored post written by My Baking Addiction on behalf of Become A Better Baker™. The views and opinions expressed on My Baking Addiction are purely my own.
Read this post and made the granola – so delicious! It was that kind of day. Used currants rather than raisins and left out the cranberries because sometimes they are too sour for me and yesterday was a “nothing sour” day. I had friends over for coffee and they each received a container of the granola, which they proceeded to not stop eating. Today it topped vanilla yogurt……
Love the little jars you served the granola in…..would you mind sharing where they’re from??
Thank you! Looking forward to trying the recipe!
Gina-
The jars are the Mini Mold Jars by Weck. I hope this helps.
-Jamie
Looks fantastic! Love the cranberries in there.
Looks DELISH!! I can’t wait to try this!! Was wondeirng how long this will stay fresh in an air tight container? Thanks for sharing this recipe :)
Gretchen-
I have mine for about a week and it’s still quite delicious. I think it’s losing a little of the crunch though, so I’m guessing about a week. I hope this helps.
-Jamie
I’m definitely not a morning person. It definitely helped a bit to buy an iPod alarm. I wake up to very soft music, usually Air’s Alone in Kyoto, which slowly fades in so I’m not jerked awake. It really makes a difference! This is a great breakfast.
you crack me up! we are SO opposite! I’m usually up before my alarm! I’ve very much a morning person lol
Bring on fall! this granola looks incredible Jaimie!!
I am pinning this! I’m pretty sure this will be my new favorite morning recipe.
Would coconut oil work? Looks delish!!!
Arlene-
I think coconut oil would be delicious – great idea. Thanks for stopping by.
-Jamie
Well, it’s 70′ here today with a light rain, pumpkin spice candles, a latte, great music and a wonderful found recipe! The brutal summers in Texas are too much for me and fall is my favorite season of all. Makes me energized and happy! I could have written the same description of me in the mornings ~ prefer not to talk (now it’s just me so that works!) and when working, I used 2 alarms and the snooze. I treasure waking up on my own in retirement. :)
Thanks so much for sharing this great granola recipe ~ will definitely try it!
Pat
I love fall! It will be here before we know it :) This looks delish!