Grandola

So, I love sweets. I admit it. More than most foodstuffs. There was even a time in college where I unsuccessfully tried to survive off of this tiny part of the food pyramid.. and nothing else. Yeah, that didn't go over so great. But really, I love grains too.... so the perfect combination and excuse to eat the two as soon as possible in the day is always a great granola recipe. Each batch comes out a bit differently, depending what types of nuts, dried fruits, etc. etc. I have on hand... so have fun altering this recipe as you see fit. I'll give you my most recent success, but I always find granola a good place to utilize a lots of back of the cupboard items that are close to being lost in the black culinary hole. Sometimes it works (cashews, pine nuts, dried pineapple) and sometimes, well, those items are still in the back for a reason (dented can of salmon, Crisco from the 80s, saltines from your last stomach ache). Anywho, let the crispy morning goodness soak for 15 or 20 with some milk or soy milk, accompanying it with yogurt and fruit isn't a bad call either, or sprinkle over some ice cream for added deliciousness.

Grandola

4 cups of old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup of sunflower seeds (other ideas: sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, pine nuts)

1/4 ground flax seed (wheat germ works too)

3/4 cup of mixture of halved cashews and almonds (alternatives: pistachios, Brazil nuts, peanuts, walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, the list goes on et on)

Big handful of shredded unsweetened coconut

1 cup dried dates and raisin mixture (dried pineapple, apple, cranberries, figs, cherries, kiwi...)

zest of one orange

3/4 cup honey, agave, or other liquid sweetener

splash of water

1/4 cup unrefined coconut oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together the oats, flax seed, nuts, pumpkin seeds, coconut, and orange zest in a large bowl and set aside. In a pan over medium heat bring honey, water, and oil to a light simmer on the stove. Mix the dry and liquid mixture together and spread evenly onto 2 baking sheets. Pop in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown. I stir the mixture about every 10 minutes for even cooking. I like to add the dried fruit in the last five or ten minutes so it isn't rock hard when it cools. You may also add the dried fruit after baking too! Comme vous voulais! (As you wish) When you take the sheets out of the oven to cool, dont mix or touch, because the mixture will set a bit and create that great grandola clumpiness. Enjoy!

Reminder: Every oven requires different cooking times, so hang out in the kitchen with a book and tea as to keep an eye on the goodness.

Recipe/Song Pairing: Mamas and the Papas or the Zombies. I'm pretty sure they were into granola.