MINI girl

Granola

I burnt the first batch of this, so I am going to try making it again. It looked so good going into the oven, too! Remember to stir it every 15 minutes while it is baking - this will help you remember it is in your oven.

Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients:
4 c rolled oats
1 c shredded unsweetened coconut
1/2 c soy grits, optional
1/2 c sunflower seeds
1/2 c flax seeds
1/2 c chopped walnuts or other nuts
1/2 c maple syrup or honey
1/2 c vegetable oil
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 c dried cranberries
1/2 c chopped pitted dates

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350F 300F degrees.
2. Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Combine syrup or honey, oil and vanilla and heat until warm, stirring to blend.
4. Add liquid to dry ingredients and stir to combine. Place on a large, rimmed sheet pan. Bake for 45 minutes - stirring every 15 minutes to prevent burning.
5. Remove from oven and cool mixture. Stir in cranberries and dates. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition for 1 serving:
356 calories; 10g protein; 38g carbohydrates; 7g fiber; 12g total fat (3g sat, 4g mono, 11mg poly); 7mg sodium.

From The Byerly Bag - a newsletter/magazine produced by Byerly's grocers

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 stick butter-soft
2 eggs
1 ½ cup flower
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ cup sour cream
1 cup bananas (3)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 bag chocolate chips

Method:

1. Beat sugar and butter. Add eggs one at a time.
2. Sift dry ingredients together, and then add to sugar / butter / egg mixture.
3. Add sour cream, bananas and vanilla.
4. Stir in chocolate chips.
5. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Recipe courtesy of Deb Baker.
Adapted from a Martha Stewart recipe.

Chili

My good friend, Deb, made this chilli for me one night. It was fantastic!

Ingredients:
1 ½ lb hamburger
1 large onion
1 green pepper
1 tsp chili powder
2 cans chili beans in hot sauce
1 can kidney beans (drained)
1 or 2 (28 oz) cans whole tomatoes (can substitute diced or crushed tomatoes)
2 stalks of celery
Salt and pepper
Garlic
Tabasco (Deb uses smoked chipotle flavor)

Method:

1. Brown the hamburger and season to taste.
2. Dice the celery, green pepper, and onion and add to beef.
3. Add the beans and tomatoes and break apart the tomatoes.
4. Add the spices to taste.
5. Cover and Simmer. (I throw it in the crock-pot for a couple of hours)
6. This is often better the next day once the flavors have had a chance to come out.

Note: Mushrooms may also be included if desired. Dice and add with the other vegetables.

Recipe courtesy of Deb Baker.

Poppy Seed Bread

My good friend, Deb, gave me a loaf of this lovely Poppy Seed Bread. It is super easy and very delicious!

Ingredients:
1 yellow cake mix (no pudding)
3 eggs
½ cup oil
1 (3oz) package instant lemon pudding mix
1 cup water
3 tablespoons poppy seeds

Glaze:
3/4 cup sugar
juice of 1 lemon

Method:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350F degrees.
2. Combine ingredients and divide evenly into 2 small greased loaf pans.
3. Bake in a 350F degree oven for 45 minutes.
4. Remove from oven.
5. Combine sugar and lemon juice, and pour over the bread. Poke holes in top of bread so glaze seeps in.

Recipe courtesy of Deb Baker