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

Seven Layer Taco Dip

This recipe has many variations; I'm sharing the O'Brien favorite rendition! It's a must have for any gathering of our men. I've got it all assembled and ready to take tonight.

Ingredients

• 1 pounds ground venison (beef)
• 1 packet (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning of choice
• 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
• 2 cups guacamole
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
• 1 (16 ounce) jar Chi-Chi’s salsa(medium or hot) or your favorite!
• 1 (2.25 ounce) can black olives, chopped
• Shredded lettuce and chopped onions – optional
• Tortilla chips

Directions 

In a large skillet, brown ground beef. Mix with taco seasoning according to instructions on the packet. Set aside and cool to room temperature. 

Spread the beans into the bottom of a deep dish pie plate or 9x13 pan that is about 1 1/2 inches deep. Spread guacamole on top of beans. Sprinkle beef on top of guacamole. Spread sour cream very slowly on top of beef. Pour salsa over sour cream. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese on top salsa. Sprinkle (lettuce & onions) black olives on top

Serve with tortilla chips. 

You can serve this dish immediately, or refrigerate it over night and serve cold. 

 

  Happy New Year!