Homemade Granola

I had been planning to make a batch of homemade granola for what seemed like forever, but somehow I never got around to it.  Instead, I would default to grabbing a mix at the store, while keeping that "I'm going to make some homemade granola" song going in my head.  

Well, recently--finally--I made good on that promise to myself.  With the holidays in session and my normal pace slightly slowed, I made a scrumptious batch for the eating (and sharing) on Christmas Eve morning.  I was thrilled with the results of my inaugural batch and now there's no turning back!  With wonderful crunch, the perfect hint of maple and honey, a subtle cinnamon bite that balances the sweetness, and loads of healthy goodness, it's already become my go-to snack, cereal and topping. 

It's true that the simple things can make for really satisfying moments that you want to recreate again and again.  Homemade granola that's as easy to make as it is delicious is definitely one.  Now you've got to make it and taste for yourself.

Happy Eating!

Homemade Granola

Ingredients:
3 cups old-fashioned oats (not instant)
1 cup sliced almonds, roasted
1 cup pumpkin seeds, roasted
1 tablespoon flax seed
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon raw honey
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup raisins

Method:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Roast almonds and pumpkin seeds in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes.  Remove and reset oven to 325 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, almonds, seeds, flax, cinnamon and salt.  In a small bowl, stir together the oil, maple syrup and honey.  Pour the liquid over the dry mixture and coat thoroughly. Spread the mixture evenly on a lined baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes.  Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Finish by stirring the cranberries and raisins into the cooled granola.  Store in an airtight container to preserve freshness.  Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from JoyofBaking.com
        
    

Gifts from My Kitchen!

As I gather with family and friends for Christmas and the remaining days of the holiday season, I'm bringing something personal to the table: homemade gifts from my kitchen.

Nothing says, "you're special", quite like a delicious, homemade gift--made with love.  

Chili Spice Blend & Turkey Chili Recipe

I'm gifting some of my favorite things, like spice blends--in adorable spice jars from Anthropologie--along with a recipe in which the blend can immediately be put to use.  I also baked up a generous batch of homemade granola that will make the perfect gift for easy snacking, breakfast cereal, or atop a favorite yogurt or ice cream.  Yum!

Homemade Granola

So if you're still wanting to add something personal to your gift repertoire, there's no better way than with homemade goodness from your kitchen.  Sweet treats, infused oils, flavored sugars, and more, make wonderful gifts that are easy to pull off.

Now off I go with my gifts in tow--and with wishes for you to enjoy a very Merry Christmas...and lots of Happy Eating!

Link Love: Holiday Gift Guides

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas--and with only a little over a week left until this most merry and blessed holiday, I, for one, couldn't be more thrilled!  I look forward to treasured time with family, friends, some extended R&R, celebrating the foundation of my faith and preparing for the New Year on the horizon. 

Another favorite thing that I relish about Christmas is the spirit of giving that comes alive.  More than any other time of the year, the Christmas season is marked by giving.  And if you're still in search of a few choice gifts for the food and/or style lovers in your life, then I want to share a few guides that can surely aid you in finding that perfect gift...or two.

From snazzy kitchen tools to custom threads to entertaining treasures to delicious eats, and more, these guides are some of my seasonal favorites--and I'm sharing the holiday love with you!

So here's to making any last minute shopping and gifting a breeze...




1. A chic and fun guide for those who love to entertain (Society Social) 

2. A holiday recipe and dessert gift guide that's perfect for the sweets lover (Jem of the South)

3. The ideal Christmas gift guide for the hard core foodie (Flanboyant Eats)

Happy Eating!

Sweet Auburn Curb Market

This past weekend I had the pleasure of taking in brunch at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, the oldest public market in Atlanta and beloved by locals and foodies from near and far, alike.  Laden with a rich history, it's the perfect dine-n-shop destination for the finest in produce, seafood, meats, baked goods, and specialty items (think gourmet popcorn!), along with some of the best indulgent eats, which include an ice cream stand that was the catalyst behind my latest visit.

High Road Craft hosted its recently launched Saturdae Brunch and served up mouth-watering sips and eats, including decadent cafe mocha, freshly pressed juice, fried apple pie, and a berry delicious waffle creation, paired with its signature, soo-soo good frozen cream, for an over-the-top sweet satiation.

The menu offerings

Tossing caution (and calories) to the wind, my companions and I relished every bite we took, along with the friendly and attentive service we received from the High Road team.  If you're looking to make your Saturdays a tad bit sweeter and more scrumptious, then email Saturdae@highroadcraft.com for reservations or just drop by while you're in the market. Brunch seating is between 10 a.m. and noon.

Can you tell I was enjoying it? :)

And if you're looking for more savory eats, not to fret.  With offerings of everything from gourmet burgers and franks to Jamaican cuisine to Mexican fare to a coffee bar and much more, you're guaranteed to find something that suits your tastes and leaves you eagerly awaiting your next visit.

What could be better than feasting on delicious food, followed by shopping the freshest, choicest selections of produce, meats, seafood and bakery items? 

A fun art mural of the market's treasures

So as soon as you can, run--don't walk--to the Sweet Auburn Curb Market for an exceptional experience in good food and Southern hospitality.

Happy Eating!

Butternut Squash Soup

I love the hearty, winter root vegetables that are abundant this time of the year.  But without question, my favorite is butternut squash.  The subtle sweetness (intensified when it's roasted) and beautiful orange-golden hue make it a delight for the taste and the eyes.  

Funny enough, I didn't grow up eating this winter staple; yellow, summer squash was pretty much the extent of my squash forays back then.  But several years ago, as I became rather serious about my cooking/foodie passion, I began noticing it more and more.  Ultimately, it made its way into my kitchen--and has never left.

Transforming butternut squash into a luscious and satisfying soup is an easy and healthy undertaking.  With a few aromatics to form a hearty base, rich chicken broth (vegetable broth or water can also be substituted), an ample seasoning of salt, pepper and nutmeg, and the star ingredient, itself, you've got a delicious soup that you'll come back to again and again.  At least I know I will.

Happy Eating!

Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:
2-3 lbs. butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, diced
6 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more to taste
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:
Heat butter and oil in a large soup or stock pot.  Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic and a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper.  Cook until onions are translucent and the vegetables begin to soften.  Add in the butternut squash, broth, nutmeg and another sprinkling of salt and pepper (being careful to season every layer during cooking), stir together and simmer until the vegetables are cooked through and softened, about 30-40 minutes.   

Puree the soup with an immersion blender or allow it to cool slightly and then puree in batches in a traditional blender.  Season further to taste and enjoy.