We Go Out Walking......

Hmmmm! Darling and I are working on some fitness programs for Spring! We are planning to branch out and experience some walking trails in a few days so I wanted to ensure we take along our bottled water and a healthy snack! Saco and Cape Elizabeth have numerous walking trails and hiking areas, which are rather close in distance to The Village!  I decided to make our own homemade granola and these two recipes are terrific! The only hard part is to refrain from munching on the fruit and nuts while you are preparing the mixtures. These are absolutely great for taking little packs of the granola out of doors while gardening or snacks for your children during outdoor playtime! And the smell of these roasting in the oven will be a little slice of heaven! Great topping for yogurt and even ice cream.....Enjoy ya'll!!

A Maine House Mosaic

Best Breakfast Granola

4 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup roasted macadamian nuts, roughly chopped

1/2 cup roasted cashews, roughly chopped

2 cups sliced almonds

2 cups sweetened grated coconut

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 cup honey

1/4 cup dried pineapple

1/2 cup dried mango

1/2 cup dried banana chips

1 cup dried strawberries

1 cup dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, toss to combine the oats, coconut and almonds. Whisk together the oil and honey in a separate bowl and pour over the oat mixture. Stir gently until the oats and nuts are well coated. Pour this entire mixture onto a 13" x 18" baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally with a spatula until you have a nice golden brown color, about 45 minutes. When done, remove from the oven and let mixture cool, stirring occasionally. Store in airtight containers. This will make about 4 cups. Delicious!!!

Estelle's Homemade Granola

6 cups of oatmeal

1/2 cup wheat germ

1 1/2 cups slivered almonds

2 1/2 cups chopped pecans

1 cup flaked coconut 

1/2 dark brown sugar ( I use a little more)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 t. cinnamon

2 T. vanilla

2 cups assorted dried fruit

1-2 cups of add-in (mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, cereals)

Preheat oven to 225 degrees F. Mix all ingredients except dried fruit and add-ins in a large bowl. Mix well to coat evenly. Distribute on 2 large rimmed baking sheets. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. Turn every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely. Stir in dried fruit and add-ins.

"Ever wonder where you'd end up if you took your dog for a walk

and never once pulled back on the leash? "

~Robert Brault