Every year my mom, my sister, and my sister-in-law (Kelly), and I go on a girls shopping trip to shop for Christmas presents (and in my case birthday presents since Brad, Preston, and AnnaLeigh have birthdays within a WEEK of Christmas! I know, not smart!) We usually go in November or December, but since Ashley and I will be about to pop in December, we decided to move our trip up a bit this year.
We left Friday morning and got back a little after midnight last night, and we had a WONDERFUL time. I just wish I had a picture of the 4 of us from the weekend. Brad had the kids all weekend, and to say that he survived would truly not give him the praise he deserves. He made the job of Mr. Mom look like a breeze! I wanted him to say it was a little difficult, but he flew through the weekend with no trouble, even taking all 3 kids to a restaurant by himself. I always knew he was an amazing dad, but this weekend he proved that he truly wins the BEST DAD IN THE WORLD award! The kids had a blast hanging out with their daddy that much, and it sounds like he enjoyed spending that much time with them, too. The only thing they missed from me was food…home cooked meals. At least I’m good for something around here. :) (They didn’t starve this weekend. Brad’s mom fed them several meals. Thank you, Kay!)
Friday morning when I should have been packing, I was typing my Friday Fav post and the post below, so I could get this recipe to all of you who have asked for it recently. I didn’t quite finish the post below, so I just couldn’t put it on the blog. And I didn’t get all my “stuff” together for the trip as I should, and I accidentally forgot MY WALLET for our shopping trip! My credit cards, cash, and license were all safe at home while I was in Dallas. My poor mom had to foot the bill EVERYWHERE we went, because I didn’t have a penny with me. I did have a checkbook, but I learned it’s no good without a license. Typical Kate…a scatterbrained mess!
Anyway, I’m so sorry I’m just now posting this recipe. There are few pics, because I was in a HUGE hurry when I was making the granola bars and when I was typing the recipe…but they still taste really good even with the bad pics below. They were great shopping energy food.
I love pumpkin flavored anything in the fall! Granola bars are no exception. This recipe is a combo of several recipes I’ve found online. Not too many pics. I’m WAY past my bedtime and I must be quick with this very basic post. I just know several of you are asking for this recipe and I want to get it on here before fall is over. :)
Recipe for Pumpkin Cranberry Granola Bars
You will need:
(Please note that the PUMPKIN is not pictured. I had a can sitting there, and somehow I forgot to scoot it into the photo.) So you will need Quick Cooking Oatmeal, Flaxseed Meal, Applesauce, Honey, Brown Sugar, Salt, Pumpkin Pie Spice (if you don’t have Pumpkin Pie Spice, see the recipe below), Vanilla, Craisins…and CANNED PUMPKIN (or if you’re really ambitious, you can make your own pumpkin)
In a large bowl, combine the Oatmeal, Flaxseed Meal, Salt, Pumpkin Pie Spice (or below alternative), and brown sugar. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin, honey, applesauce, and vanilla. Mix well. Pour over dry ingredients and stir until all ingredients are combined. Fold in Craisins.
Spray a cookie sheet (because I prefer mine to be a little thinner) or a 9X13 casserole dish if you prefer thicker.
Spread, squish, shape, or smooth mixture on the cookie sheet or smooth into a 9X13 casserole dish. I don’t spread mine all the way to the edges because that would make them too thin. I guess I’m a little picky about the thickness of my granola bars. Do whatever makes you happy!
Bake 25 minutes at 350° or until edges are slightly brown.
Your house will smell heavenly!
Remove from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes, then cut them before they are completely cool. Refrigerate any granola bars not eaten within 24 hours…or send them to me.
Recipe for Pumpkin Cranberry Granola Bars
Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 Cups Quick Cooking Oats
- 1/4 Cup Flaxseed Meal
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar, firmly packed
- 3/4 Cup Canned Pumpkin
- 1/4 Cup No Sugar Added Applesauce
- 1/4 Cup Honey
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- 1 scant tsp Salt
- 1 Tbsp Pumpkin Pie Spice (if you don’t have Pumpkin Pie Spice use the spice combo below)
- 1 Cup Craisins
Combine the Oatmeal, Flaxseed Meal, Salt, Pumpkin Pie Spice (or below alternative), and brown sugar. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin, honey, applesauce, and vanilla. Mix well. Pour over dry ingredients and stir until all ingredients are combined. Fold in Craisins.
Spray a cookie sheet (I use a cookie sheet because I prefer mine to be a little thinner) or a 9X13 casserole dish if you prefer thicker.
Spread, squish, shape, or smooth mixture on the cookie sheet or smooth into a 9X13. Bake 25 minutes at 350° or until edges begin to brown.
Remove from oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes, then cut them before they are completely cool. Refrigerate any granola bars not eaten within 24 hours.
If you don’t have Pumpkin Pie Spice, just combine the following ingredients to MAKE the tablespoon needed for the recipe! :)
Recipe for 1 Tablespoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Enjoy!
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