Today was a domestic puttering sort of day. Laundry was done (with the annoyance of over-zealous neighbors who take out one's not quite dry clothes in order to do their laundry. Jerks.) Curtains were hemmed and hung. And a mirror that has been leaning against the wall for two years was finally hung up on the wall.
But the food was the best part.
Chef Fancy pants struck again, making sweet-potato risotto which was just perfect for the rainy weather.
I know, I know. I am a spoiled girl. I did wash the dishes though.
And I did a bit of cooking too! I made homemade granola for in our morning yogurt. It's actually quite easy, and much less expensive and better for you than store-bought granola. Most importantly, I think it tastes better!
A recipe, if you are interested, for Granola:
- 1 lb quick oats (I estimate this, because I don't have a scale, and it's always been fine)
- 3 cups coarsely chopped raw nuts (I used almonds and cashews)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (But, I really like nutmeg, you can use less)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- dried fruit, if you like (I used cranberries, because I think the tang is a nice contrast to the sweetness)
Behold! Much chopping!
1.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Farenheit.
2. In a food processor, or a coffee grinder, grind half of the oats to a fine powder. In a large bowl, combine the whole oats, ground oats, nuts, cinnamon and nutmeg.
3. In a microwave-safe bowl (or this can be done in a saucepan on the stove) combine the brown sugar, butter and water and heat until the butter has melted and the mixture is bubbly. Stir the mixture until smooth and then add the salt and vanilla. Stir to combine.
4. Pour the butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir well to coat. Let stand for ten minutes.
5. Spread the mixture on a large baking sheet, separating it into irregular clumps with a spoon or by hand, allowing space between the clumps for hot air to circulate. Bake in the middle of the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
6. Remove and stir the mixture, gently breaking the granola into smaller clumps. Return to the oven for another 15 minutes, and then stir again. Repeat the baking and stirring at 15 minute intervals until the mixture is a uniform brown color and completely dry. This can take about an hour, or a bit longer. Cool completely, and add in any dried fruit you'd like.
7. Enjoy with yogurt, milk, ice cream, or picked off of the pan and eaten while still hot, thus burning your tongue. (Not that I did that).

Yum!