Homemade Granola--Good 'n Healthy!

Just like 99% of the rest of America,

I vowed on January 1, to try and

be more healthy in my eating choices.

(I am delighted to tell you, thus far...

what is this...Day 9?... I'm doing...

...pretty well.)

All that being said, I came across a recipe for

GRANOLA, which sounded promising.

I'm needing something for snacking

that doesn't make me feel guilty.

I made it yesterday and I think it may

fit the bill!

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine in a large bowl:
4 1/2 c. old-fashioned oats, uncooked
1/3 c. sliced almonds
1/2 c. shredded sweetened coconut
2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. salt

3. Whisk together:

1/2 c. honey

1/4 c. apple juice

4. Pour over the oat mixture and

stir to coat thoroughly.
5. Spread mixture in an even layer

on a large baking sheet.

6. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown,

stirring twice during baking time.

7. Let cool.

8. Add:

1/2 c. raisins

1/2 c. dried cranberries

Serves 12

(230 calories per 2/3 cup serving)

Store granola in a airtight container.

I tried it on some Greek yogurt--

have you tried that?

Yum!

Linking this week to the following parties:

Not So Homemade

33 Shades of Green

All Things Heart & Home

Someday...Crafts

Quinoa

Ready

to

make

Quinoa

Black

Bean

Salad

Perhaps I'm a bit out of touch, but I had never heard of quinoa (KEEN-wah) until two months ago. My friend Betty was visiting from Miami and telling me about her trip to Peru, where she was introduced to it. Then, a week or so ago, I saw it mentioned at ALL THE BEST BLOG. Finally, this morning, it was mentioned once again, this time on the TODAY SHOW. Well, third time is a charm! It's time for me to share with you!

Betty had sent me a recipe which I had already tried by the time I heard the other two references to it. Although it looks like a grain, it's really a relative of leafy green vegetables. Quinoa is a complete protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. You probably cannot find a healthier food. Or, a tastier one, if you use Betty's recipe for...

QUINOA BLACK BEAN SALAD

1 cup uncooked quinoa (red or white or combo)

2 T. grated lime zest

2 T. fresh lime juice

3 T. extra virgin olive oil

1/2 t. sea salt (I used Kosher, because that's what I had)

1/4 t. freshly ground black pepper

1 14-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

2 small tomatoes, diced

4 scallions, chopped

1/3 to 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro

Cook quinoa according to directions on package. Allow to cool.

Whisk together lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, sea salt and black pepper in a small bowl.

Combine all ingredients and toss well. Add salt and pepper if desired.

Serve warm or enjoy as a cold salad.

This dish keeps quite well. It makes an excellent main course or a nice side dish. We had it warm the first evening I made it. Leftovers were just as tasty a couple of days later.

You'll find another quinoa recipe at the above link for All the Best Blog. I haven't yet tried it, but it sounds quite good, with feta cheese, thyme and Kalamata olives.

Thank you Betty!