The Recipe for a Good Morning

In the past 2 weeks, 2 friends have raved about the Cooks Illustrated Granola.

Of course I needed to try this.

Since leaving the cereal isle out of my weekly shopping trip, 

my mornings have been a bit busier.

I like knowing what's in every bite I put in my body.

Since we've opted for a fishing life & not a farming life, the best I can do is buy local

when possible & make everything from scratch.

I entered this commitment rather lightly.

Like meringue.

When really it's a bit weightier.

And really all this means is that every morning is a hot breakfast morning....unless

I make granola or muesli.

One of my favorite qualities about Granola

is its flexibility

 which allows me to tailor it to our likes.

So I veered slightly from the recipe and added more nuts than dried fruits.

My family is divided on the merit of raisins- but if you like them the recipe 

called for 2 cups rather than the pecans.

What's in it?

5 C Whole Old Fashioned Oats

2 C Pecans

2 C Almonds

1/3 C Brown Cane Sugar

1/3 C Maple Syrup

1/2 tsp salt 

1/2 C Canola Oil

4 tsp Vanilla

Bake @ 325 in the middle of your oven

for about 35-45 min.

It should be light brown.

If you press it into a jelly roll, lined with parchment paper

& let it be for an hour 

(which is the hardest part)

It will break into nice big clumps.

What's missing? Coconut. Next time I'm adding it & probably dried cherries too. 

Ah the benefits of a fishing life...

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