Mmm....Monday - Granola

Pictured granola is made with Grape Nuts, Corn Chex, and dried apples.

Happy Monday and last day of June! :)
Today I'm going to share with you my recipe for granola!  I usually put off making it,  and I don't know why, because it's easy to make and really yummy.  The best part is you can get really creative and make the recipe to your own taste! It's super adaptable!  So here goes!

HEATHER'S GRANOLA

6 cups Old Fashioned oats

1 cup cracked wheat (or your choice of substitute)

1 cup nuts (whatever is preferred)

2/3 cup honey (may substitute with karo syrup, or maple syrup)

1/3 cup brown sugar (may be omitted,  we like ours a little sweeter)

3/4 cup orange juice

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

2 cups coconut

Mix oats, cracked wheat, nuts, and coconut in large bowl. Mix honey, brown sugar, and orange juice in pan.  Heat until just boiling,stirring occasionally.  Add cinnamon to pan and stir.  Pour over dry ingredients and mix well until evenly coated.  Spread on cookie sheets and bake in 325° oven for 20 minutes,  stirring every 5 minutes. Granola should be a nice golden brown.  Let cool and store in airtight container.   Serving size is a 1/2 cup.  Makes lots! May be frozen.
Good on yogurt!
Some other ideas on things to add...sunflower seeds,  grape nuts, rice crispies, dried fruits...
Leave me a comment on how you got creative with your granola! 

Mmm.......Monday - Crock Pot Goulash

Summer is officially here! I am enjoying the warmer weather after freezing all winter, but sometimes it gets a little too warm in the house, especially as we do not have our central air installed.  So I'm trying to find ways to make meals without turning on the oven. Normally I would cook on the grill, but it is currently in need of repair.
Enter the crock pot! I put it outside on our front patio, and it cooks all day without heating up the house!
    Today I made Goulash.  Here's the recipe:
1 lb ground beef, cooked
2 - 24 oz cans of pasta sauce
Parsley, dried onion, garlic, salt, and pepper
(Add to taste - I never measure) :)
2 1/2 cups farfalle, uncooked (bow tie noodles)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Combine all ingredients in crock pot.  Stir to mix well. Sprinkle top with additional shredded cheddar.
Cook on low 4 - 5 hours.
Enjoy!  :)

Feature Friday - Pan Handle

 

 Today's feature is a brand new item in my store.  I made these after talking to a gal at my kid's swimming lessons!  It's a pan handle holder.  What a great idea!  Thanks Janene!  No more trying to remember where you set down your pot holder!  It stays right on the handle!  Especially cast iron!  I have a few regular pans whose handles heat up, and this will be great when having to strain veggies or drain meat! You can find these handy dandy holders here.  I would love to make them to match your kitchen.       Makes a great gift for a friend as well!
      Happy Friday!  Thanks for stopping by!

Iced Coffee

I so love coffee!  But when it gets hot out....not so much.  Then I discovered iced coffee.  I'm probably not sharing anything totally new.  There's lots of recipes out there for iced coffees.  There's even one out there for "Just-Like-Dairy-Queen-Moolatte"! YUM!!!
But I usually don't want the ice cream - too many calories. Okay, okay... I want it, I just shouldn't have it that often! :) So.... I have I have my own version of the frappes, and iced coffees.
It's super easy and quick. I take my glass and fill it with crushed ice, then I add my favorite flavored creamer, then poor some strong coffee over it.  The best thing is since my glass is full of ice, I can pour the coffee in right after it's brewed.  No need to wait for it to cool!
It can also be made with milk and carmel or chocolate syrup, (or use one of the flavored coffee syrups that are available - Raspberry, anyone?).  You can customize it to your own little taste buds - sweeter or more coffee flavor - it's up to you! :)  Enjoy today sipping on your own iced coffee creation!

Feature Friday

I know it's late!  My busy summer schedule has begun, ready or not! (Mostly not.)
I'm still having fun though! Today's feature is my Baby Blue Beach Bums! I love making these adorable little sandals.  The soles are made from two layers of crochet.   They are quite sturdy.  The sandals are made for babies size 0 - 3 months.  There is a button on the side to connect the heal strap and keep them securely on baby's feet.
I have a pair in blue and 2 pairs in pink available  here (blue) and  here  (pink).  I would love to make them in custom colors!  Great for a baby shower gift!
Thanks for stopping by!  :) Have a great weekend!

Mmm.....Monday - Trifles

Howdy! I can't believe it's been two weeks since my last post!  I was on vacation (much needed and very relaxing), and then you know how it is, it takes a week to get back into routine after! :)
For today's post, I thought I would share this trifle! Doesn't it just shout "summer"!!!!!
Yum!
I'm going grocery shopping later today, so I think I'll round up the ingredients and surprise my family!
You can find all you need to make this desert at http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/strawberry-angel-trifle
Leave a comment and let me know what your favorite trifle recipe is! :)