{"id":3282,"date":"2011-10-24T19:40:48","date_gmt":"2011-10-24T19:40:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/therealhousewife.com\/blog\/?p=3282"},"modified":"2011-10-31T03:19:48","modified_gmt":"2011-10-31T03:19:48","slug":"pumpkin-cranberry-granola-bars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/therealhousewife.com\/blog\/pumpkin-cranberry-granola-bars\/","title":{"rendered":"Pumpkin Cranberry Granola Bars"},"content":{"rendered":"

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!\u00a0 I know, not smart!)\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

We left Friday morning and got back a little after midnight last night, and we had a WONDERFUL time.\u00a0 I just wish I had a picture of the 4 of us from the weekend.\u00a0 Brad had the kids all weekend, and to say that he survived would truly not give him the praise he deserves.\u00a0 He made the job of Mr. Mom look like a breeze!\u00a0 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.\u00a0 I always knew he was an amazing dad, but this weekend he proved that he truly wins the BEST DAD IN THE WORLD award!\u00a0 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.\u00a0 The only thing they missed from me was food…home cooked meals.\u00a0 At least I’m good for something around here. :)\u00a0 (They didn’t starve this weekend.\u00a0 Brad’s mom fed them several meals.\u00a0 Thank you, Kay!)<\/p>\n

Friday morning when I should have been packing, I was typing my Friday Fav<\/a> post and the post below, so I could get this recipe to all of you who have asked for it recently.\u00a0 I didn’t quite finish the post below, so I just couldn’t put it on the blog.\u00a0 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!\u00a0 My credit cards, cash, and license were all safe at home while I was in Dallas.\u00a0 My poor mom had to foot the bill EVERYWHERE we went, because I didn’t have a penny with me.\u00a0 I did have a checkbook, but I learned it’s no good without a license.\u00a0 Typical Kate…a scatterbrained mess!<\/p>\n

Anyway, I’m so sorry I’m just now posting this recipe.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 They were great shopping energy food.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>I love pumpkin flavored anything in the fall!\u00a0 Granola bars are no exception.\u00a0 This recipe is a combo of several recipes I’ve found online.\u00a0 Not too many pics.\u00a0 I’m WAY past my bedtime and I must be quick with this very basic post.\u00a0 I just know several of you are asking for this recipe and I want to get it on here before fall is over. :)<\/p>\n

Recipe for Pumpkin Cranberry Granola Bars<\/span><\/h2>\n

You will need:<\/p>\n

(Please note that the PUMPKIN is not pictured.\u00a0 I had a can sitting there, and somehow I forgot to scoot it into the photo.)\u00a0 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)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>In a large bowl, combine the Oatmeal, Flaxseed Meal, Salt, Pumpkin Pie Spice (or below alternative), and brown sugar.\u00a0 Mix well.<\/p>\n

In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin, honey, applesauce, and vanilla.\u00a0 Mix well.\u00a0 Pour over dry ingredients and stir until all ingredients are combined.\u00a0 Fold in Craisins.<\/p>\n

Spray a cookie sheet (because I prefer mine to be a little thinner) or a 9X13 casserole dish if you prefer thicker.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Spread, squish, shape, or smooth mixture on the cookie sheet or smooth into a 9X13 casserole dish.\u00a0 I don’t spread mine all the way to the edges because that would make them too thin.\u00a0 I guess I’m a little picky about the thickness of my granola bars.\u00a0 Do whatever makes you happy!<\/p>\n

Bake 25 minutes at 350\u00b0 or until edges are slightly brown.<\/p>\n

Your house will smell heavenly!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Remove from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes, then cut them before they are completely cool.\u00a0 Refrigerate any granola bars not eaten within 24 hours…or send them to me.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Recipe for Pumpkin Cranberry Granola Bars<\/span><\/h2>\n

Ingredients:<\/p>\n