Archive for the ‘Appetizers & Snacks’ Category

Have you ever made your own granola?

I tried it last week and was pleasantly impressed at how simple and easy it was. I’d tried it once before, but wasn’t paying enough attention to it as it baked in the oven and burned the heck out of it. This time was much more successful, and the result oh so yummy!

If you’ve ever purchased granola at the store you know how expensive it is. Making it yourself is definitely the way to go!

One of the best things about granola is how versatile it is. You don’t have to be completely precise in your proportions, and you can add a lot of other ingredients (or not). Its also incredibly filling, so one batch lasts quite awhile.

Note: If you decide to double this recipe, don’t try to cook it all at once. Overcrowding the pan will cause it to not cook evenly.

Homemade [Deluxe] Granola

4 1/2 c. rolled oats (do not use quick oats)
1 c. shredded coconut
3/4 c. wheat germ
3/4 c. sliced (or chopped) almonds
3/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 c. instant non-fat dry milk

3/4 c. chopped misc. nuts (I used a combination of pecans, walnuts, and peanuts) – optional

1/3 c. vegetable oil
1/3 c. honey

1/2 c. dried fruit (I used dried apples, bananas, and mangos) – optional
1 c. raisins – optional

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease a large baking pan (approx. 16 x 11 x 2″) with shortening and set aside (a good coating of PAM will also work).

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add additional nuts/seeds as desired. Mix well.

In a small saucepan combine the oil and honey (hint: measure the oil first then use the same measuring cup to measure your honey. The oily residue will help the honey slip out of the cup more easily). Heat on the stove until the honey is dissolved and the mixture well blended. Stir well throughout.

Add the honey mixture to the dry ingredients and stir to coat.

Spread into prepared pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir with spatula every 5 minutes until the granola reaches the desired color.

Remove from the oven and stir in dried fruit and raisins.

Cool completely and store at room temperature in an airtight container.

OPTIONS:
Nut/Seed suggestions: sunflower seeds (shelled), sesame seeds, pecans, filberts, peanuts, walnuts, cashews
Fruit suggestions: raisins, chopped dates, dried (chopped) apricots/peaches/bananas, dried mango, dried cranberries

You can make an apple-cinnamon granola by adding 1 Tbsp cinnamon and 1 1/2 c. dried chopped apples in place of dried fruits/raisins.

You can make a maple flavored granola by replacing the honey with pure maple syrup

I hope you enjoy this recipe. We sure do. I’d love to hear what variations you use! I was wondering about freeze dried strawberries… if anyone tries that, let me know. What is your favorite granola addition? How do  you take your granola… dry by the handful? With milk as a breakfast cereal (my personal favorite)? As a yogurt topping? Please share.

Lately I’ve been thinking about this super yummy Spinach-Artichoke Dip I make. I think maybe it stems from having gone to Chili’s with my husband last week… we got a spinach artichoke dip as an appetizer. It was good, but I think its starting to fade from my system. -grin- I’m pretty sure I’ll either need to make some or go order some soon.

Doesn’t it just look delicious?? Its not the most healthy thing you could eat, but it sure is appetizing. And addicting.

I’ve been guilty of nearly consuming the entire platter before.

Anyway…

This recipe is a variation of one I found online awhile back. I don’t remember the original source though. Sorry.

Spinach-Artichoke Dip

1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 stick butter
1 pkg. frozen spinach, thawed
8 oz. Philly cream cheese
8 oz. sour cream
3/4 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
1 jar marinated artichokes, chopped
red pepper flakes to taste
8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 Roma tomato, diced
1 green onion, chopped.

Sauté onions in butter.

Add other ingredients one at a time, while mixing, and blend well after each addition. Add ingredients in this order: Spinach, Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Artichoke Hearts, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes.

Remove from heat and put in crocks or microwave dish.

Pour mixture onto a plate or platter. Top with Monterey Jack Cheese, tomatoes and green onion. Melt.

Serve hot with chips or bread.

This recipe makes quite a bit. Enough to fill 2 decent-sized platters. Good news is that it freezes well! Just spoon the unused portion into a freezer safe container or freezer bag. When you are ready to eat it: defrost, heat, and top with cheese, green onion, and tomato.

Disclaimer: I am craving this dip because I went to Chili’s, but I make no claim that this recipe is a copy-cat of theirs. But it is dang good.

Speaking of Chili’s… I do intend to try and duplicate a couple of their other recipes (appetizers). Watch for those soon!