May I have your attention please?
Will the real pumpkin…please stand up!
I’ve had 2 brands of organic pumpkin in my life and both were brown with a bad textures, but this Farmer’s Market brand was great! Just like Libby’s – bright orange and the right pumpkinininess.
It’s too bad this can was about the same price as one of the jumbo Libby’s cans, but at least it’s supporting the organic industry (I don’t think pumpkins fall into the dirty dozen).
Look what else is back in the kitchen!! I opened my last jar (I’ve been hoarding it) in Karen’s honor – Nuttzo!
The Mix
- 1/4 cup oats
- 1/4 cup 6 grain hot cereal
- 1/3 banana
- 1/3 tbsp chia seeds
- Salt
- 1/3 cup pumpkin, stirred in at end
- Cinnamon
- THE BEST GRANOLA EVER!!!
- Nuttzo
- Justin’s Choco Hazelnut
When I made the crunchy buckwheat granola yesterday I used coconut oil (which is different from coconut butter – and cheaper!) and maple syrup instead of canola and honey and it totally rocked!
I wanted this to be the BEST bowl of oatmeal ever with the celebration of pumpkin, so I was heavy handed on the toppings. Soooo delicious!
A new Ethiopian coffee from a local store – it was great
Sunny
Shady
In the spirit of music from this millennium, I am in love with this song:
Peace!
{ 104 comments… read them below or add one }
I never had a bad can of organic pumpkin, but the ones you have had in the past make me want to avoid it now. Glad you found some good stuff!
I almost always switch out maple syrup for honey… well, I did when I still lived at home and could use my parents’ maple syrup, that is. Darn stuff is too expensive for my budget now, but I might have to splurge if this granola truly is the best ever!!
Love the oats! I just started getting the Nutzo brand stuff and I LOVE it!
I think I need to make your granola, yummy!
Bwhahaa..for some reason, I wouldn’t think that you would be quoting Eminem! That cracks me up. You don’t seem like the type to listen to his music lol <–and I mean that in a good way
Love all of the sunshine! It's sunshine-y here in NC too! AND there's a breeze blowing! Hello, Fall 
Well, I don’t really LISTEN to him, but remember the song from high school
I just put that exact same pumpkin in my oats! It’s good, but I agree– PRICEY!!!! I’m ready for Libby’s!
Thanks for the giggle, Slim Shady!
I am totally making this granoler once I finish up the 2 bags here. Looks amazing! Have a good day.
So jealous of your pumpkin – it looks great!
Your granola looks really good, too. I usually make my own granola as well, but have never tried using buckwheat in it (I really don’t know why, since I eat it quite a bit otherwise?). I might try that next time!
That’s the only brand of pumpkin I’ve been able to locate recently…(thanks to Wegmans!)…and I’ve enjoyed it too.
BUT have you read the news? I looked into it last week, and the people who make Libby’s had a good crop this year, are about to start to harvest, and hope to have pumpkin on the shelves by October!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
This is not the article I read (that said Oct.) this one says even sooner!! But here ya go, some proof!
http://www.pjstar.com/business/x1757234214/Pumping-up-the-pumpkins
“Processing pumpkins, those elongated pink cousins of the jack o’lantern variety, also are coming out of the field, said Roz O’Hearn, spokeswoman for Nestle USA, the Ohio-based firm that owns Libby’s, the nation’s largest brand of canned pumpkin, and its canning plant in Morton.
“About one-third of the harvest is done already. We started earlier this year because of all the problems we had last year,” she said.
…
O’Hearn said canned pumpkin from this year’s crop would start reaching stores by the third week of September.”
Thank goodness! Last year, there was a shortage! Organic pumpkin has not even reached Trader Joe’s shelves yet.
Wooo hooo! I have been trying to use sparingly…Thanks for the info!
I have seen Brendan James in concert! He’s amazing.
He’s coming to Cville on 9/23!
Good to know you found a pumpkin filler-inner until (hopefully) Libby’s is on the shelves! Mmmm – your granola looks FAB. Happy Friday!!
Your granola looks delicious – and I love how much sun has been making its way into your breakfast pictures these last couple of days
I have seen that brand of pumpkin at whole foods but never bought it. I really like Libby’s and am still hoarding a couple of cans from last year. I hope there won’t be a shortage like last year!
Pumpkin is one of reasons that I love Fall!
They had cans of that stuff for a hot second at Harris Teeter last year and it was ON SALE! I may or may not have cleared out the entire stock… selfish, I know. But keep an eye out!
Also, Kath, have you seen those “Grow Your Own Roots” Charlottesville tee shirts in the window of the Skylight Studio art gallery downtown? wanted one so badly but it was closed when I walked by.. thought you might like it, they remind me of the awesome posters you hung in your kitchen. Here’s the site:
http://www.kathryndalebarton.com/wp/grow-your-own-roots/
Oh that is very cute!!
I’m glad to see that you found a good organic pumpkin! The Libby’s shortage has hit Texas pretty hard and the only pumpkin I’ve been able to find was that Farmer’s Market brand canned organic pumpkin, and I had to travel 400 miles away to find it. I came home with two cans.
I still have 2 cans of pumpkin hoarded from last year.. but I also have a farm fresh one right in my kitchen
The granolas looks great.. I need to get buckwheat.. is it in the self-service bulk section?? Bob’s Red Mill? I’m on a mission
Bulk!
Hahaha! Slim shady, what a song! It’s been a while since I’ve heard that one.
That’s a fun title Kat!
Fortunately, my local Wholefoods carry that brand of canned pumpkin all year long. Unfortunately, it’s the only brand they carry and it’s a bit pricey. I have to find Libby’s.
I always use coconut oil in my granola. My last batch that I made was Double Coconut Nutty granola. I love coconut and using coconut oil gives the granola extra fragrant and crisp. I love it. I’m glad you tried it out.
Hooray for the return of punpkin oats!
Great looking granola!
So I just posted about “pizza in the raw” which I totally think you and Matt would enjoy! Also, I link to the original recipe in Rachel Ray, which has anchovies, and I think you’d like as well!
Here’s my post: http://www.simplylifeblog.com/2010/09/pizza-in-raw-one-of-best-things-to.html
…and where the idea came from: http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipes/rachael-ray-30-minute-meals/Pizza-in-the-Raw-with-White-Anchovies
Mmm
So jealous that you found pumpkin (and good tasting pumpkin). I am so excited for fall!
I have never had much luck with canned pumpkin other then Libbys – I will have to keep my eyes peeled for it!
I haven’t made homemade granola in a long time but your recipe looks delicious – although I would have to make a few modifications as I am allergic to coconut and nuts!
Good call on adding the justins hazelnut butter to your oats. I love that stuff!
Yay! The pumpkin posts have officially arrived. I’ve been seeing them pop us everywhere. Oh pumpkin how I missed you!
This whole pumpkin-shortage (aka “pumpkin gate”) kind of cracks me up. I wonder if the rest of the world is as up in arms as we in the blog world are?
That song put the biggest smile on my face. His voice is reminiscent of Ben Folds, kind of…?
Ah I wish you had an Eminem video at the end
That would have been hilarious. I went through a phase in high school where I learned the lyrics to Eminem and Dr. Dre songs — I have no idea why I thought that would be good to do. My best friend and I would sing along in the car — we must have looked like the biggest dorks on earth.
I have honestly just stopped using pumpkin because I could never get it in the stores (or only the expensive brands) — I’ll have to check soon to see if its back (and stock up, mwuhahahhaa)
I am happy that you found that pumpkin at Whole Foods because mine was out! Hopefully that means it was just temporary. I ended up buying butternut squash & pumpkin pie mix by the same brand in sheer desperation. How similar does the pumpkin taste to your butternut squash in your oatmeal? I’m trying to decide how to use mine!
mmm i haven’t had pumpkin in a few days and now i miss it:-)
Wow–what a song. I listened to it twice. Thanks! Have a great day.
Yay for finding a suitable Libby’s sub! Libby’s will always have my heart but when you need pumpkin its nice knowing there’s other sources. Now that sounds Slim Shady-esque and like an addict to something. LOL
I’m so excites for my oianpfj!! Oats in a nuttzo pf jar
tomorrow is the big day!!!
Ugh, I need pumpkin!!! Ok, officially, I am JEALOUS!
That morning mix looks like one of the best yet. Love it
Yay pumpkin! Adding it to my grocery list this week. I think I see some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies in my future (so good!).
Laura
I buy the same brand of organic pumpkin- love it! I got it for $2.50 a can last week, that made me happy.
like the song. thx for sharing. new tunes are never a bad thing : )
Could you use all oats if you can not find the buckwheat? DId you do the nutritional facts on it by chance?
Thanks!
You could use all oats, but the buckwheat is the charm.
I don’t have the stats, but I imagine it’s similar to all granolas out there – use sparingly
No canned pumpkins over here, but I’ll make my own puree, and I can’t wait to do that
Buckwheat granola..hm.I love buckwheat, I love granola….I should give this one a try
I haven’t had horrible luck with organic pumpkin, but for me, nothing screams fall more than a can of Libby’s!
Loving that Brendan James’ song as well! I’d never heard of him until you and Caitlin started posting about him.
I couldn’t agree more about your definition of the “perfect” granola. Made it the day after you posted the recipe and I would have to say it is the top granola I have ever made/bought…and that’s saying something!!! The buckwheat is the best! So many good textures goin on !
Glad you found some good pumpkin! I’m not a fan myself (an unfortunate childhood memory.. haha) but I love the fall becaues it’s apple picking time! It’s really big in NY. Are there any orchards in your area now? There’s nothing like an apple orchard and all the homey goods their shops sell =)
I just made my first bowl of hot oats, they are pretty good considering I had no clue what I was doing! Maybe I’ll have to add some crunch toppings on top next time.
Fall has arrived! Wow! I’ve got orange oats too, but mine is sweet potato orange. Love all of your toppings!
mmm that granola looks great. I always wondered how coconut oil and butter were different. I bought both in case they actually were, and then forgot to look into it. And no i have not used it yet for some reason. Need to get on that!
Ohhh, pumpkin oats. It has been too long. Here I come.
i kind of want to listen to the real slim shady now…thanks
Oh, I love pumpkin. But can’t find it at my local grocery store.
I’ll have to try my hand at the granola too!
And love the first picture.
I love that first picture! very cool.
Fall fall fall! Pumpkin! Yay for pumpkin! Boo for Libby’s shortage
hopefully they’ll stock up soon 
That granola looks amazing, and those sunglasses…LOVE em’
Enjoy your FRIDAY Kath
Mmm that breakfast looks so good! And I just love the first picture of you.
I love that song too! Good call
Going all out with toppings in celebration of pumpkin is a must. I can’t wait til the pumpkin doesn’t cost an arm and a leg at the grocery store!
Hahahah I’m going to listen to that song now! Thanks. A lot.
i just cracked open a jar of coconut PEANUT BUTTER –
http://theactorsdiet.wordpress.com/2010/09/09/just-the-snacks-maam/
have you ever tried it? wonderful stuff!
I’m loving that song! Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Where did you find the pumpkin? I’m guessing in the organics section of some store..I’m sure Walmart wouldnt have it.
I’m jealous of your breakfast!
Gorgeous bowl of pumpkin oats! As much as I miss Libby’s, this organic pumpkin puree is a great-tasting (but expensive) stand-in… it’s the only brand I can find!
That looks like the most fantastic bowl of oatmeal ever. I’m drooling!
quick question: when you talk about your oatmeal bowls, is the preparation based on just the standard stovetop oatmeal preparation you can find on the box? or, is this an overnight preparation? thanks!
It’s a modified stovetop technique that you can read all about here: http://www.katheats.com/kaths-tribute-to-oatmeal/
LOVE the granola, and the song! I’m downloading it from iTunes now!
SO jealous of the pumpkin! I can’t find it (organic or not) anywhere!
Looooove that brand. It’s the only kind I use!!!
Must make that granola soon!! I made walnut butter with cinnamon, vanilla + honey and I’m pretty sure it’s going to be HEAVEN on pumpkin oats!!!!! Have a great weekend!! xo
So I was reading this post in the computer lab at my university and totally just started to giggle out loud at the Eminem theme! You are too funny and these oats look AMAZING as usual
That upside down pic threw me for a second – but if any meal could make me a pumpkin fan, this might be it!
I can’t find Libby’s anywhere! The organic kind I have just isn’t the same either.
Glad you found a good organic brand though.
LOVE this song!
Your nutzo picture is NUTZO!!!!
One Good SONG
TWO: were did you buy pumpkin I’ve been looking for weeks. Funny thing is I only live an hour from the Libby canning plant. I feel like it should be every place I look but I can’t find it
Thank you for posting the video, I hadn’t heard of Brendan James before and I loved the song. I made a station on Pandora based on his music and it is a great station! His music is awesome!
I have yet to find canned pumpkin here yet – hopefully soon because I don’t have any cans left over from last year! Your oats this morning look amazing. I want a bite right now.
will chk out the song tomorr,..meal looks yum
I love your first photo. Nice shades! And your breakfast looks delicious as always
I love this post! ♥
A lot of canned pumpkin is butternut squash. You can make your own puree from fresh squash and freeze it to use all year round, without having to worry about running out!
I use the Farmer’s Market brand of organic pumpkin as well. Makes the absolute best pumpkin oatmeal – tastes just like Libby’s.
By the way – thanks for sharing the link on Brendan. He’s my best friend’s brother. No lie
NO WAY!!
Pumpkin came from a small co-op store here in Cville. Whole Foods also has it.
Oh I never heard of Brendan James before, but I really like that song!
Love how the ads by google on the video were all all for depression. I had to chuckle–not that depression is funny! Music is a natural anti-depressive!
Ever since Libby’s did a disappearing act, I’ve been buying that same brand of pumpkin–almost as good as the original and always available at Target:)
Hello again~ are buckwheats also called groats?? I was going to make this tomorrow and just wanting to get the right ingredients. ALso how much granola to you typically use as a topping? Thanks! Have a great weekend!
I think groats are slightly different…perhaps larger?? I’m not sure 100%!
I usually use about 2-3 tbsp
Farmer’s Market Organic Sweet Potato Puree and Organic Butternut Squash are really good too.
I have made soup, pancakes, muffins, pasta sauce, pie and smoothies with them.
I like to make my own Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash puree, but if I am short on time I reach for these.
Thanks for sharing the song – listening now. He’s really good!
In my granola recipe, I tend to use maple instead of canola oil & honey (although I do still add a little canola oil. I find the texture benefits) – and I much prefer the maple flavour. Im still to buy coconut oil.
mmmmmmm now I want granola!! Cant wait to make yours.
Heidi xo
I will have to look for coconut oil. I thought the coconut oil and butter were the same thing.
The Farmers Market brand of pumpkin is the BEST I also buy it, I have never seen any other canned pumpkin other than LIbbys!
That granola looks yummy! I’ve never made my own, but it’s on my to-make list!
Jenn
Kath, you’ve introduced me to so much great music.
Didn’t I see Straight No Chaser on your blog? Hubs and I went to see them last month after I got into them.
Love this song!
A-chika-chika-chika. Haha, that crazy song will be in my head until I go to sleep! Kudos on the best bowl of oatmeal. It looks like you made the pumpkin proud.
what a beautiful song! love it!
LOVE the Farmer’s Market Pumpkin!!! I found it at Sprouts in May for like $1 a can…STOCKED UP! Your oats look FANTASTA-LICIOUS!
That is my favorite brand of canned pumpkin. I am lucky it is carried in my local grocery store. It makes a difference in how my pumpkin bars taste and it makes my pumpkin muffins rock. It is a staple in my house from now through Christmas.
That bowl of oats looks absolutely diviinneee!!!