simple granola

Short post this time. Some quick thoughts.

It's Christmastime, first of all. Let us not forget the reason for the season.

There is no not much snow in Minnesota. I happen to be okay with it after last year. I hope that didn't offend you.


I would like to learn to cross-country ski sometime this winter though....

Showing people you love them with food is so great. I've been doing it a lot lately. You know who you are.

Mad libs are really fun--remember those?

Choirs made up of small children are absolutely precious, especially when they're singing Christmas carols. My favorite is always the one little boy in the front row who insists on yelling the songs.

No one is ever upset about a gift you can eat. Nevermind that it isn't going to last.

"Jolly" is such a great word--I think the word alone makes me smile. I wonder why people don't say it at all times of the year... 

When you get to open surprise packages that show up at your door, it's even better than opening the presents from under the tree...because you really weren't expecting to get a gift in the mail, right?

Sister skiing in Colorado this Christmas, I will miss you very much, and will be very sad that we'll not have the chance to adventure in the kitchen together.

I freaking love candy canes. And all things peppermint, really.

That's enough for now. Should you get tired of all the cookies and candy everywhere, here's something else to try. I'm not saying it's not just as addicting, but it might be a little tiny bit healthier for you. Maybe.

Simple & fabulous granola
This is just the basic recipe...a blank canvas for any kind of creative spin you want to put on it. use your favorite spices, nuts, and dried fruit--make it your own, and then use it to make someone else smile.

4 c. old-fashioned oats
1/2 c. raw almonds, chopped
1/3 c. raw pepitas
1/4 tsp. fine sea salt
1/2 tsp.cinnamon (optional)
1/3 c. flowery honey
4 tbsp. butter or coconut oil
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. shredded or flaked coconut
dried fruit, etc.

Preheat your oven to 325 and find a large rimmed baking sheet

In a small saucepan, melt the butter and honey together over medium-low. Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, almonds, pepitas, salt, and cinnamon. Pour the honey mixture over the dry ingredients and stir very well to make sure everything gets coated with the sweet goodness.

Spread your oat mixture onto the baking sheet and put in the oven. After 10 minutes, remove the pan and stir the granola. Place the pan back in the oven and stir every 5 minutes after, until the oats are fragrant and lightly toasted. It should take between 20 and 30 minutes total. Also, if you're using coconut, add it when you think there's about 10 minutes of baking time left, so it doesn't get too dark.

Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Stir in dried fruit and whatever else you want to add. Finally, devour at all times of the day!

ideas...
pistachios & cherries
macadamia nuts & dried papaya
pecans & dates
hazelnuts & chocolate chips
crystallized ginger & cranberries
dried figs & apricots

...be creative!

Happy Christmas!
--ginger