Maple Morning Granola

Name: Maple Morning Granola
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 5 cups.
Ingredients: 3 cups old-fashioned oats; 2/3 cup chopped pecans; 1/3 cup salted pumpkin seeds or pepitas; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 4 teaspoons butter, melted; 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup dried apples, chopped; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; Plain yogurt

Salty and sweet ingredients combine for an easy, wholesome breakfast or snack. Hosting a kids' party? Pack the granola into treat bags and present them as take-home favors. —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois

Ingredients

3 cups old-fashioned oats
2/3 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup salted pumpkin seeds or pepitas
1/2 cup maple syrup
4 teaspoons butter, melted
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup dried apples, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Plain yogurt

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, combine oats, pecans and pumpkin seeds. In a small bowl, mix maple syrup, butter, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg. Pour over oat mixture and toss to coat.
Transfer to a 15x10x1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake 35-40 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Cool completely on a wire rack. Stir in dried fruits; serve with yogurt. Store granola in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

1/2 cup: 268 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 fat.

Originally published as Beautiful Maple Morning Granola in Taste of Home Christmas Annual 2016