There's only one problem with working on these little Christmas stitcheries - there are more designs I want to do than I have room for in the calendars. As a result, I decided to replace the lanterns with these cute little birds. Somehow I think little boys will find them far more recognizable. So these are the additions to the collection over the past couple of days...
And, another bit of tastiness has magically appeared from the kitchen of the Resident Chef and I thought I'd share the recipe in case any of you would like to try it as well. It makes quite a bit - but we love it for breakfast and also (gasp!) sprinkled on some ice cream.
GRANOLA
NOTE: It makes a lot so don't be daunted by the amount of ingredients - we go to the bulk food store for most of it. The recipe is easily halved if you prefer.
8 c. rolled oats (the regular, not instant)
1 1/2 cups EACH wheat germ and oat bran
1 cup EACH sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, rye flakes, coconut, chopped walnuts, cashews (we often don't bother with the nuts)
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. maple syrup
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 c. honey
3/4 c. vegetable oil
1 tablespoon EACH of vanilla and cinnamon
2 cups dried cranberries, raisins or coconut (we use a combination of them) - NOTE - these are added after cooking
Line two large baking (cookie) sheets with parchment or foil. Combine dry ingredients. Combine salt, sugar, syrup, honey, oil & cinnamon and bring to a boil over medium heat (stir regularly so it doesn't burn!). Add vanilla and pour over dry ingredients and stir to coat. Spread on cookie sheets and bake at 325 until crispy and toasted, about 20 minutes. Stir at least once. Cool and then add the cranberries, raisins and/or coconut. Store in airtight container(s) and enjoy!
Here is the quote for today..."My goal is to create a life I don't need a vacation from"
Very handy charts there!! I am making your Sausage foil packs for our dinner tonight...I couldn't find smoked sausages so am using Italian Sweet...the granola looks super, too
ReplyDeleteHugs for a wonderful weekend...Julierose
ooh - I hope you like the sausage packets! There's no reason pretty much any type of sausages couldn't be used (altho' I think I'd steer clear of those little breakfast sausages). Great weekend back to you toO!
DeleteYour quotation describes the life I've had for quite a while!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I'm the same way - vacations have never been a priority for me. I just choose to enjoy each day.
DeleteThe four Cross stitch designs are spot on for the boys. I'm sure the spares will be used another time and not wasted. Thanks for the links. I'm in love with the cloth animals. The quote fits the DH and self too.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'll use the spares in something else so they won't be a wasted effort. I have an idea or two in mind.
DeleteThank you for the good recipe. This summer's munching needs a change, and the granola is the perfect snack.
ReplyDeleteGranola is good for so many uses - a snack, breakfast cereal, on top of ice cream, as a base for making cookies and for sneaking out of the container when Resident Chef isn't looking!
DeleteYum, sounds like a great snack for grazing.
ReplyDeleteFor sure!!
DeleteYum! I love granola and often make mine too - your recipe looks awfully good so I will give it a try - thank you! Love your little stitcheries, especially the birds...
ReplyDeleteGranola is a favourite here too - along with oatmeal the way Resident Chef makes it. Might share that recipe next! I must admit I have a thing for those little birdies too.
DeleteI guess the quote fits me too because I am so happy doing what I do. There is nothing in the granola that I don't like. I will definitely add the nuts though. your little stitcheries are so fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy in my own little world too - it's certainly a nice place to be. Glad you're enjoying the little stitcheries because I'm certainly having fun making them.
DeleteThinking I had probably missed some posts in recent weeks, I went a scrolling through back posts and I see I have missed some truly cute little cross stitches. I'm amazed at how many you've done already. How many days are you doing in total (and is it time 2 or 3)? Your elves and birdies are adorable.
ReplyDeleteI don't suppose you have missed a whole lot Becki! As for the numbers on the cross stitcheries - I'm doing 48 (24 x 2) - for a total of two calendars. I'm doing 2 of each design, but each is different (in other words two elves, but they're different from one another).
DeleteThanks for the recipe. Sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteIt's hard for me not to grab a little bowl just to snack on!
DeleteHomemade Granola is the best. Yes I would eat it as a snack also. Your little stitcheries are so very cute. I think you will come up with some great ideas to use them for much more just so you can keep making them. They could be focal pieces in your CQ works. Wonderful links as always. I would love to live my life with needing no vacation...they are exhausting!
ReplyDeleteI think, by the time I finish 48 little stitcheries (plus the ones I had to re-do because of the red floss bleeding) I will have cross stitching out of my system for a little while. Altho - there IS another little project I have my eye on to make to add to the Christmas box.
DeleteSweet little elf and birds!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the granola recipe, do you know how long it stays fresh? If I make it, it will only be me eating it!
I can't say how long it stays fresh, nor do I know if it could be frozen. I know it keeps for at least a month in a sealed container. You could try it using half the quantities perhaps???
Delete