Homemade granola

I honestly cannot remember what I did with my life before pinterest. I see things on pinterests that inspire me to try things that I never dreamed I would be able to make. I have never been much of a baker or a cook but thanks to pinterest I have been able to try tons of recipes and make some really great things (that even sean likes!). Recently I have been in search of some healthier snacks for Sean and I and decided to try my hand at homemade granola. I took a combination of several recipes and created my own. I like really crunchy granola! And I wanted to incorporate pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds (they remind me of my days out on the softball field!). 

I used a combination of this recipe and this recipe. 

We have been eating this like crazy for the past several days. It doesnt matter if you eat it straight out of the bag, with yogurt, or with milk.... its amazing. 

Here is my version of the two recipes: 

INGREDIENTS:

6 cups oats (Not the quick cooking ones)

1 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup applesauce

3/4 cup honey

2 Tbsp pure vanilla extract

2 Tbsp vegetable oil

1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 cup raisins

1 cup dried cranberries

INSTRUCTIONS: 

Mix together in a large bowl: the oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. 

In a small bowl mix together: 3/4 cup honey, 1 cup applesauce, 2 Tbsp vanilla, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 2 Tbsp vegetable oil

Pour the applesauce mixture over the oat mixture and stir together until everything is combined. 

Spread the mixture over two baking sheets and bake at 250 F for about 1 hour 10 minutes (this is for a dark baking sheet). You want the granola to turn a light golden brown. 

Stir the granola about half way through the baking process. 

Once you remove the granola from the oven, let it cool for about 20 minutes. This is when it will start to get crispy. 

Then add the cranberries and raisins (or any other dried fruit you like). Enjoy