5.07.2011

Check Up & Granola

A few weeks ago I posted a small list, and I think it's about time to check up on my progress!

1. Blog More (At least 6 times before the month is through.)(DONE)
2. Call my Sister & Mom (I need to check up on them more often.) (MAKING PROGRESS)
3. Go to the gym or spin class every week. (Both.) (MAKING SOME PROGRESS)
4. Return Andrea's message on Facebook. (DONE)
5. Utilize my pantry for this month's dinners. (So many rices, quinoas and lentils!) (MAKING PROGRESS)

I'm beginning to blog more, but I feel like most of my posts are frivolous. I'm good on quantity, but not exactly quality. That's my new goal.

Finally, I've been taking a hard look at my pantry, and am trying to use some forgotten ingredients. A few weeks ago I made a lentil dish, and I've been incorporating rices into many meals. Today, I made a cinnamon almond granola with the old-fashioned oats and agave nectar that I had sitting in the pantry.


The result is fabulous! Also, I was able to utilize an ingredient that I've never used before: wheat germ. I've heard of it, but never really used it. It's similar in texture to bread crumbs or steel-cut oats. It tastes nutty. A great addition to crunchy granola.

3 comments:

  1. Do you know of any granola recipes that you would particularly recommend? I've been wanting to try making my own for a while now, but have no idea where to start!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Here's the granola recipe I used:

    1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats or quick-cooking oats
    1 cup slivered almonds
    1/2 cup wheat germ
    1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    1/2 cup dark or amber agave nectar
    Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

    In a medium bowl, toss together the oats, almonds, wheat germ and cinnamon. Pour in the agave and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Bake at 300 degrees F on a sheet pan with parchment paper, stirring halfway through, for about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan.

    You can also take this recipe and add dried fruits or other nuts. It's really great on yogurt or just as a snack to carry with you.

    ReplyDelete

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