the why buy granola granola

About 2 years ago I really started to love granola. Granola, yogurt & berries were my breakfast of choice. I loved trying out new brands, but the common theme was that they were usually loaded with sodium (that I usually don't pay attention to), calories & fat. Now while SOME of the calories & fat were derived from good sources (i.e. dried fruit, nuts, etc...), others were just LOADED to be loaded.

Another indulgence I have besides granola is Alton Brown. Much to my husband's teasing, I DVR every episode of Good Eats and I watch them usually when he's out of town. Well, one episode was dedicated to "Oat Cuisine", that changed my life.

A bit dramatic I know, and so that you don't get TOO excited about the recipe....let me disclaim....the reason it changed my life is because it's SOOOOO easy. Because I've changed the recipe up a bit (making it healthier than the friend in my head Mr. Brown), I'm not going to give you the nutritional information. Just know, it's ALOT better for you and there are so many yummy things you can add, subtract, adjust to make it you and your family's very own version.

Recipe 2

Alton's Brown's Granola (kinda*)

*I say "kinda" because I have made quite a few modifications to it. In effort to keep Mr. Brown's granola recipe in tact I will write the original version but add in parentheses my alterations.

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup slivered almonds

1 cup cashews (*chopped Walnuts...seems healthier and I keep them on hand)

3/4 cup shredded sweet coconut (*omit. Tried it once. IMO - Only added unneeded sweetness & fat)

1/4 cup + 2 T dark brown sugar (*many substitutions - I've used sucanat recently)

1/4 cup + 2 T REAL maple syrup (*I've substituted agave or molasses as well)

1/4 cup vegetable oil (*1/4 cup ground flax seed & 1/8 cup oil)

3/4 t salt

1 cup raisins (*omit - only because husband likes better without)

*Other possible additions I've made:

1/4 cup of hemp seed (adds nutty flavor)

Rice Flour (never used, but heard this is a good clumping agent)

Any nuts

Any dried fruit

Lastly, this IS the recipe that my brother that I mentioned earlier asked for. I'll post a picture next time I make it - which is sometimes weekly. Also, my bro said he may try less "sugar" since it is quite sweet. Just a healthier tip for those interested.

mmmmm....cabbage

So the urge that I got to create this blog came from my brother who said (in joking) that I should start blogging my recipes (well, they aren't MINE....they are just the ones I make or modify). I am definitely not a chef, but I do try to make (semi) homemade food that's (semi) healthy & my family will enjoy. I also LOVE sharing the recipes that are "keepers" (probably annoyingly emailing them to friends who don't ask). So in effort to keep track of these recipes (and the alterations that I make) and also stopping my addiction to emailing recipes that aren't necessary wanted. I am sharing them here.

Recipe 1

I made this slaw for some brisket tacos I made for my brother & sister-in-law but that's not where the flavor really showed. Two days later out of uncertainty of what was for dinner - we agreed on tacos again, but this time.....blackened fish tacos! Perfect companion!!! (Even if you have to pick out the onion...ahem Jennifer :-)

Bobby Flay's Green Onion Slaw

1 cup green onions, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 serrano chiles
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup pure olive oil
1 head purple cabbage, finely shredded (I cheated and bought bag shredded in time pinch)
1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced (I highly recommend only using 1/2 - VERY strong)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves

Blend green onions, vinegar, chiles, mayonnaise, salt, pepper and oil in a blender until emulsified. Place cabbage and red onions in a bowl, add the dressing and stir until combined. Fold in the cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.

It's yummy right away but even better the 2nd & 3rd day. Like I said though, watch out for the purple onion.

The Reason

So let me start out by saying I have a terrible history with blogging. I have one that I haven't posted on since like March of 2009. Since Facebook got popular AND I have two children blogging (aka virtual baby book) fell off my priority list. I've been wanting to start up again for myself. Just to keep a record of important things & events I want to look back on. Well, this week I had that ever so slight encouragement to start up again. Instead of trying to fill in the blanks on my last family blog - I'm starting anew, and very simply.

Charlie....this one is for you! Love you and your beautiful family.