No "Grain-o-la"

I posted a recipe called Sherry's Granola a few days ago and then was introduced to this granola. I had a neighbor bring it over to me as a treat and I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE TASTE! Unlike Sherry's granola, which tastes awesome in it's own way, this granola has an incredibly nutty flavor...probably because it's made from JUST raw nuts.

Ingredients:

1 cup raw cashews, chopped

1 cup raw walnuts, chopped (I used raw pecans)

2 cups almonds, sliced

1 cup raw pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds

2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes (I used a finely shredded unsweetened coconut)

1/4 cup melted coconut oil

1/4 cup honey

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 1/2 cups dried fruit, chopped (I didn't use any, but it is still amazing with dried fruit in it, like apricots and raisins)

Preheat oven to 275 degrees.

Combine nuts and seeds in a large bowl.

Add shredded (or finely shredded) coconut to the bowl.

Combine well.

In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vanilla and honey.

Add the spices.

Whisk together and pour over granola.

Stir really well, or until you see everything is well coated.

Spread mixture on a cookie sheet (with sides) and bake at 275 for 40-45 min.

Stir every 15-20 minutes throughout entire baking time.

Remove from oven and stir in dried fruit. (fruit is NOT pictured above)
Let cool completely and store in an airtight container!

Hope you enjoy it!
My boys love this granola with almond milk or regular whole milk.
The texture is very pleasing on my palette and extremely satisfying.

Recipe courtesy of Barbara, my sweet neighbor who was thoughtful enough to give us a big container of it!

Sherry's Granola

We've always just purchased granola. 

It's something I've never really thought to make on my own... Until I tried Sherry Erickson's (She's a really amazing mother and friend to our family) granola.

  Ummmmm.....YES, I needed the recipe!

Ingredients:

4 cups old fashioned oats

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut (if you have a WINCO store, that's the best coconut to use that's in the bulk bin)
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 cup coconut oil (bring to a liquid state)

1/2 cup real/pure maple syrup 

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Combine the dry ingredients in a medium/large mixing bowl.
(Oats, pecans, almonds, coconut, salt, sugar and cinnamon)

Mix together.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients.
(Coconut oil and Maple syrup)

Pour over the dry ingredients and mix well.

Spread it ALL onto a cookie sheet.

Bake at 300 degrees for 40 min.

Stirring after every 10 min.

...and then it's ready to be consumed!
My kids LOVE this with almond milk for breakfast.
This can also be used as a topping over Greek yogurt or ice cream (hey now....WHY NOT?)
YUMM!!!

Recipe courtesy of Sherry Erickson, a great friend and wonderful mother.

Mint Chocolate Cupcakes

If you are in the mood for an EASY yet DELICIOUS Mint Chocolate Cupcake, here's a great recipe for you.  Plus, it's surprising a light chocolatey minty flavor, which satisfies that chocolate craving.

1 Box Chocolate Cake Mix
1 Package Keebler Grasshopper Cookies

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees.  Mix the chocolate cake mix as directed on the box and set aside.  Place a Grasshopper Cookie in the bottom of each cupcake tin.  Then pour the chocolate cake mix in each cupcake tin.

Bake in the oven as directed on the cake box.  Use a toothpick to poke into the middle of a cupcake.  If toothpick comes out clean, the cupcakes are fully cooked.  Take the cupcakes out of the oven and place them on a cooling rack.

Frost and ENJOY!!!!

 Frosting Recipe:
1 Carton Real Whipping Cream
1/4 cup Powder Sugar
2 tsp Vanilla extract
(*red food coloring was added in this pic)

Directions:
Add all ingrediants into a glass or metal bowl.
Beat whipping cream until it turns into a fluffy whipped texture.

Hot Artichoke Dip

Entertaining? This is a great artichoke dip to entertain with. 

Forget buying a pre-made artichoke dip at the store. Go get a few ingredients and make this. It's super easy & hearty! This recipe has been a classic one in our household and it was started by my sister, Michelle. She always makes this for parties, get togethers or birthdays. Whatever the occasion, it's always around. YUMM!

Ingredients:

1 stick of cream cheese

1 1/2- 2 C. shredded Monterey Jack Cheese ( I use 2)

1/2 C. Parmesan cheese

1 C. Mayonnaise

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 handful of parsley flakes

3 small jars of "CARA MIA" Artichoke hearts (marinated in oil)-- make sure 2 out of the 3 jars are fully drained of the oil, but do not rinse them. Leave one jar with all of it's oil.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Put first 6 ingredients in a large saucepan, on medium heat.

Parsley flakes added to saucepan as well

Drain 2 jars and leave one jar with all of it's oil.

Put all three jars into a blender or food processor. If you like it chunky, then pulse it.
I puree my artichoke hearts.

Add the pureed hearts to the saucepan.

mix well on low heat

Take a sourdough bread bowl and cut a circle in the top.

Then GUT IT.

It should be pretty hollow now.

Pour dip into the bread bowl.

Cover with the bread bowl top and wrap in foil.

Make sure it is FULLY covered.

Place in oven at 300 degrees for 2 hours
or
350 degrees for 30 min.

Once cooked, serve with bread, chips or even veggies.
Remove foil. Place on a platter with bread around it and serve!
Enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of Michelle Sanchez. Another food-tastic-sister!

Homemade Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is one of my absolute favorite snacks!  The problem is, dried fruit in stores is pricey AND full of sugar.  So here's a healthier way to make your own dried fruit.

• First you need a Dehydrater (pictured is a dehydrator from www.nesco.com)
• Then purchase your favorite fruits
• Let your fruit sit out and over ripen

 

Kiwi

Peel, slice 3/8" to 1/2" ~ Average drying time is 5-12 hours

 

Pineapple

Peel, core, and slice 3/8" thick ~ Average drying time is 6-16 hours

After drying...ready to eat!

YUMMY!