Honeymoon Granola

This recipe was shared by my friend, Dawn. Every time I make it, it's different. I have fun experimenting with the nuts and dried fruit I use. Try your own versions. This is a great snack for long drives, thus the reason I have it out, today. Getting ready to send Cristin on her last (hopefully) drive down to Charleston; just 5 more weeks of classes at CSU - Woohoo!

Honeymoon Granola

3 cups old fashioned oats

1 ¼ cup whole wheat flour

¼ cup brown sugar

½ cup chopped walnuts

½ cup chopped pecans

1 cup flaked coconut

1 cup dried fruit (I use 1 cup raisins and 1 cup dates)

¼ cup shelled sunflower seeds

½ cup nonfat dried milk powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ cup vegetable oil

½ cup water

¼ cup honey or maple syrup (maple syrup makes it sweeter)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 275^◦ F. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl. Whisk oil, water, honey, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Pour over dry ingredients and mix well. Place on baking sheet and bake until granola is golden and crunchy. (approximately 55-60 minutes), stirring frequently. Makes a large batch. Store in airtight container.

** I have experimented with sliced almonds and Craisens – yummy, too!

From “Wisdom’s Gate – An Encouraging Word” 2007

No Bake Cookies

I was reminded by a friend's Facebook status that I hadn't made these in a while. These are a favorite of Craig's and so quick and easy!

1 stick butter
2 c. sugar
1/3 c. cocoa
1/2 c. milk

Cook on medium high. Bring to roaring boil. Let boil for 1 minute.
Remove from heat and...

Add:
3 c. oatmeal
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 teas. vanilla

Mix thoroughly then drop on wax paper or aluminum foil. Allow to cool and enjoy!

Dad's Cookies

Craig called from his tree stand announcing that he was missing something very important - COOKIES! *GASP!* I didn't have the usual chocolate chips so I whipped up some "Dad's Cookies" to keep him stocked for the rest of the week.

I couldn't help but think of Gramps, Papa, and Big Grandpa Knable - so many good memories. I also thought of Granny, as I followed her hand-written recipe, and Nonna - remembering my "Dad's Cookies" mishap: I had copied Granny's recipe, but forgot to copy the flour. The next time I made the cookies, we had a doughy, gooey mess in the bottom of the oven! :-D

Dad's Cookies
(Granny Knable/Aunt Geri?)

1 C shortening
2 C brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp soda
2 C flour
2 C oatmeal
2 C coconut

Cream shortening, sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Sift dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture. Add coconut and oatmeal. Make balls size of walnuts. Thumb print and fill with jelly.

Bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes.

ENJOY! Yummmy! (Milk or coffee a must!!!)