Homemade Granola

First I want to thank everyone for the thoughtful comments on my last post.

It's good to be back in blogland.  Thanks for the warm welcome back :)

Now time to get back at it...

I've been making this granola a lot lately and can't get enough of it.  

It's super easy to make, healthy, and quite delicious.

It's not the fanciest granola recipe out there but that's partly what makes it so good.  

Just simple, healthy ingredients.

The recipe is from my Better Homes & Gardens cookbook

2 cups regular rolled oats

1 cup coarsely chopped nuts {I use a mix of almonds, walnuts and pecans}

1/2 cup coconut

1/2 cup shelled sunflower seeds

1/4 cup wheat germ {I use ground Flax}

1/2 cup honey

2 tablespoons cooking oil

In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients.  

Stir together honey and cooking oil; then add to dry ingredients.  Stir until well combined.

Spread evenly in a greased baking pan.  

Bake in a 300° oven for 30-35 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring after 20 minutes.  

Let cool and break into clumps.  Store in an airtight container.

I made a double batch this time.  Otherwise it would fit in one pan. 

Now for my favorite way to eat it...

Take your favorite yogurt {Mine is Chobani - love this stuff!} and mix with fresh berries, then top with granola.  

Oh my, it's so good!  On mornings I have time, this has become my favorite breakfast.  

It's a healthy and yummy way to start your day!

Linked to: Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style, Think Pink Sundays @ Flamingo Toes, 

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday @ 33 Shades of Green

I'm Back

Here I am...

Back after a much needed and unexpected blog break.  I've struggled with where to start again.  There have been several blog posts that I've started but never finished.  

A day after my last blog post I lost my Dad unexpectedly.  It knocked the wind out of my sails.  My Dad loved reading my blog and the thought of posting something that he wouldn't see was too much for me.  I know my Dad wouldn't want me to give up my blog, so I won't.  I need to dust off my camera and get back to it.  

I miss my Dad more than words can say.  He was amazing.  Brilliant, humble, loving, caring... the list could go on forever.  He was the most selfless person I've ever known.  Always looking out for his family and others.

Life is fragile.  Be sure to let those close to you know they are loved.

I'll be back soon with a new post.

Panzanella - A Delicious Summer Salad

Well, I think I have found my new favorite summer salad!  I've had my eye on the Panzanella recipe from my Our Best Bites cookbook for several months.  I made it tonight for our 'Meatless Monday' meal {my husband loves Mondays - ha!}.

I cut the original recipe in half and it made more than enough for the two of us.

Here's what I used:

1/2 of a Cucumber

1/2 of a Red Bell Pepper

3 Tomatoes

1/2 of a Red Onion

3/4 c. Fresh Mozzarella

Handful of Basil, chopped

1/2 loaf French Bread

Olive Oil

Garlic

Chop veggies to desired size and toss together in bowl with mozzarella and basil.

For the dressing, mix together:

1/4 c. Olive Oil

1 T Balsamic Vinegar

1 T Red Wine Vinegar

1/2 tsp. Dijon Mustard

1 clove garlic, minced or pressed

Kosher Salt

Pepper

Combine everything and whisk until blended.  Set aside.

Cut french bread into 1 inch cubes.  The original recipe said to bake the bread but I heated olive oil and garlic in a pan until hot and added the bread.  Sprinkle with a little salt and stir until pieces are crispy.

Combine the veggies and bread and top with dressing.  Toss together and serve.

I knew the recipe would be good but it turned out amazing!!  I will definitely be making it again soon.

Linked to: Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Delectable Tuesday

Happy Friday!

Our guest bedroom is ready for our weekend visitors!

I like to place a little vase of fresh flowers on the nightstand whenever we have company.

I gathered up some hosta leaves, a hydrangea and a few sprigs of greenery from our bushes.

I love all the green!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Try to stay cool :)

A Super Exciting Day and Yummy Caramelized Onion Flatbread

Last Friday was an exciting day around here.  Trader Joe's opened its doors in Kansas City!!!  I have been dreaming of this day for years.  I did a lot of shopping at Trader Joe's when we lived in Phoenix and I've been going through withdrawal the 3+ years of living in KC.  My hubby and I braved the craziness and shopped at our favorite spot Friday evening.  We couldn't believe how packed it was!  It was nearly impossible to shop and the checkout lines went to the back of the store.  We didn't buy a whole lot since the aisles were jam packed, but we did pick up some of our favorite items.

pic from my phone

For dinner tonight I made THIS recipe for Spinach, Caramelized Onion, and Feta Flatbread Pizzas using our goodies from Trader Joe's.  I made a few slight adjustments.

Here's what I used:

Trader Joe's Tandoori Naan

Olive Oil (instead of alfredo sauce)

Spinach

Caramelized onions

Rotisserie chicken

Feta cheese

Smoked Gouda cheese

I layered all the ingredients and baked @ 400° for about 10 minutes.

What an easy, yummy dinner!!

Linked to: Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style