April's learning curve

I kept racking my brain this month thinking,"what the heck can I learn this month." I was very limited this month because some of the ideas I will do later this year can only be done later this year. I felt a little disappointed in myself. I was so determined not to let this be just another broken resolution. The deal was to learn how to do something new each month, right? Key words being "do" and "new." I know how to bake, but what about a "new" recipe that I've always wanted to try? Does that count? In a round-a-bout way, I thought it should...but that's too easy. So I focused on the other word, to "do." How out of the box does that need to be? I'm still not sure...

I decided to do something I don't normally do...give myself some grace. I set a goal but don't really feel like I lived up it. Maybe, however, this is still part of the learning experience this year. To give grace...knowing that April has come and gone, and that May is another chance.  After all, the spirit of wanting to learn is still there.

So, I still wanted to try a half-attempt at something new this month. I made a granola recipe that I remember my grandma making :)  Warning: this smells SO GOOD while it's baking!!

2 C brown sugar
6 C oatmeal (quick oats)
2 C whole wheat flour
2 C coconut
1 C wheat germ (optional)
1.5 C nuts (pecans or preferred choice)
1/4 C sunflower seeds (optional)
1/2 C unsalted peanuts (optional)

1 C vegetable oil
1 C water
2 Tbls vanilla
1 tsp salt
1/4 C honey

Mix first half of ingredients. In separate bowl mix second half of ingredients. Combine. Spread out on cookie sheets and bake at 300F for 1 hour.  This makes slightly more than 1 gallon of granola.

Some tips: Wheat germ is not required for taste but it will help the ingredients stick together a little better.  I left it out simply because my grocery store didn't carry it and I think everything stuck together just fine.  The amount and type of nuts/seeds are totally optional too. You can add more or less of either...whatever your fancy. If your peanuts aren't roasted, no problem, because they will roast in the oven.

From grandma's kitchen, to mine, to yours, enjoy!