Homemade Granola

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup butter (browned)

• 1/2 cup maple syrup

• 1/2 cup honey

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup (2 ounces) pecans

• 5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 3/4-1 cup raw or sprouted pumpkin seeds

• 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest (optional)

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries (optional)

• *option flax seed

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

Over medium heat, melt the butter in a stainless steel skillet or saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, until the butter foams and then browns, 5-6 minutes. Watch carefully so the butter doesn't burn. You just want the itty bitty solids that separate from the butter to turn golden brown. Remove from the heat and stir in the maple syrup, honey, and vanilla. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the pecans, oats, pumpkin seeds, orange zest (if using), cinnamon and salt. Pour the brown butter syrup mixture over the top and stir to combine evenly.

Spread the granola into an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 60 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes, until the granola smells fragrant and is a nicely toasted golden color. The granola will look wet as you stir and might even look a bit wet coming out of the oven. It will dry as it cools. (Do not stir when it is done baking!) Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. Crumble into pieces and stir in cranberries, if using. Store in an airtight container at room temperature (it will keep well for 1-2 weeks).