Easy Granola

YUM, yum! This recipe is for me! It is easy to adapt this recipe to fit your personal tastes (I have--many times).

Easy Granola
Originally from Real Simple, April 2010 (modified by me)


4 c. old fashioned rolled oats (not quick cooking)
1 c. sliced almonds
1/2 c. shredded coconut
1/4 c. unsalted green pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and/or sunflower seeds
1/4 c. crushed pecans
2 Tbs. flax seeds
1/2 c. honey (or pure maple syrup)
2 Tbs. canola oil
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 c. dried fruit (cherries, cranberries, blueberries, raisins, golden raisins--I use a mix of 3-4 of these)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet (I use the large stoneware bar pan), toss everything but the dried fruit until evenly coated.

Bake, tossing once, for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crisp.

Add the dried fruit and toss to combine. Allow to cool. Once cooled, place in an airtight container or ziptop bag. Keeps for about 3 weeks.

The Final Meals

It has taken two days to prepare the last four recipes. I had hoped to be finished by Thursday, so these last recipes had to be worked around scheduled events.

But, I am done! Here are the last four recipes:

Chicken Empanadas (mini-size, for the kids' lunches)
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Strips (YUM! On of our favorite recipes!)
My Chicken Enchiladas
Lasagna (2 pans)

Well, almost done. Except for the last of the ground beef that needs to be fried up. And, freezing the leftover shredded cheese in smaller bags. Details. Minor details.

I would rather spend my final non-school day somewhere besides the kitchen. Like sitting in my chair reading a book. Or facebooking. Or playing a board game with my family. You get the idea.

Homemade Bisquick

I found this recipe a couple years ago, unfortunately I don't remember where. It makes about 10 cups, so have a large airtight container ready.

Homemade Bisquick

9 c. flour
1 ½ Tbs. salt
¼ c. baking powder
2 c. shortening

Place the first three ingredients in a large bowl and blend thoroughly. Add shortening and mix with a pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Store in an airtight container.
**I have successfully substituted this mix in many Bisquick recipes without failure. It keeps for 2-3 months in the pantry.