Granola with Almonds and Cherries

I don't recall where I got this recipe, but it's definitely a keeper!  I've made it several times, substituting different types of nuts and fruit. It's always been delicious. You may be tempted to cut down on the oil, but if it doesn't have enough oil the granola won't get crispy. So, I use the full amount of oil, and just decrease my serving size. Enjoy!

Granola

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (or a mixture of oats, oat bran, barley or flax seed, if you prefer)

1 cup raw almonds or pecans, roughly chopped

1 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup coconut flakes (I use unsweetened)

3/4 cup honey or maple syrup

3/4 to 1 cup olive oil (the light flavor type) or coconut oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon 

1 cup chopped dried cherries, currants, yellow raisins, or a mix of the three

Tip: Spray your measuring cup with Pam before measuring honey.
It will slide right out!

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In a large bowl, mix the oats, nuts, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, maple syrup or honey, oil, salt and cinnamon together.  

Spread mixture on a rimmed baking sheet in an even layer and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until golden brown and well toasted.

Do you know about Silpat Silicone Non stick baking mats? 
They're the best thing since... sliced bread!!

Transfer granola to a large bowl and add the dried fruit, tossing to combine. Store in airtight container. 

Mmmmmmmm. What was I saying about portion control? Forget about it... go for it. This is g*o*o*d stuff!

This recipe is linked with Heart and Soul Hop, A Moderate Life, Frugality and Crunchiness with Christy, Golden Reflections Recipe of the Week, Blue Cricket Designs Show & Tell, and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.

Friday Friends: It's a Wrap!! Giveaway- CLOSED Congrats to Maryanne H.

It's a Wrap!! Etsy shop features the creative works of Kimberlee, a 4th grade teacher and mom of 3 active boys.  Kimberlee says crochet is her stress reliever after a long day.  

At It's a Wrap!! you'll find handmade scarves, wraps and hats.

You can even request custom items, colors and sizes.

Look at these adorable baby beanies, made with Caron Simply Soft Yarn...

Kimberlee's Pamela Wrap can be worn several ways... as a wide scarf, thrown over your shoulder, or styled with the removable flower pin for a more polished look.

Now, here's the really fun part... You have a chance to win this adorable St. Patrick's Day beanie!

It is shown here, as made to fit a 3 to 6 month old. Need a larger size? Prefer it without the scalloped edge, or in a different color? No problem! Kimberlee will make a custom shamrock beanie just for you!


Hop on over to It's a Wrap on Etsy. Then come back here and leave a comment telling me your favorite item in her shop. Be sure to leave your e-mail address, if it's not clearly visible in your profile. The winner must be a follower of this blog. (You'll find the follow box at the top of the right column.)

 The small print:

You must be at least 18 years old, and a resident of the US or Canada to enter the giveaway.
Giveaway will be open until midnight PST, Friday, March 4, 2011.

Winner will be chosen using Random.org. I will email the winner. If I have not received a response from the winner within 48 hours, another winner will be chosen.

The winner will be announced on my blog.

**********************

 ♥ Visit It's a Wrap!! today.  ♥

Good luck!

Time with God

This week on A Holy Experience readers are encouraged to consider the spiritual discipline of time... how to live in time... slow it down... not rush...use time as a holy thing.  Ann's post caused me to pause and consider how I spend time with God. 

Life can be b-u-s-y, and if spending time with God, in prayer and in His Word, is not a habit it can be pushed to the wayside.  

Ever have those moments when you feel you should be in prayer, but you just need to finish the laundry first? Or return a few e-mails? Or squeeze in a bit exercise while the kids are napping? 

When I was a new Christian, I had a desire to spend time in prayer, but I found myself at the end of the day realizing I hadn't prayed even once. Prayer was not something I thought about naturally, as I had spent the previous 40 years of my life without prayer. I asked God to help me focus on Him. 

I thought about ways to remind myself to pray... sticky notes on the mirror, a note on my car seat; I even chose specific times of day when I would stop whatever I was doing to spend a few moments talking with God.  

As silly as these methods may sound now, they did get me into the habit I desired. As my relationship with God grew and I experienced the privilege and joy of  prayer it became an automatic, deep desire of my heart to talk with God all throughout the day. 

I'd have to say my favorite prayer time is just before I fall asleep each night. What peace it brings!

What's your favorite time with God? 

Green Chili Chicken and Lime Soup

I'm participating in

* See the "Print Friendly" button above the comments?  You can print this recipe without photos and my comments. * 

 This recipe is adapted from Picky Palate
You really should check out Jenny's recipes on Picky Palate. She's an amazing cook!

When I saw this recipe I knew I was going to love it. Green chilies, lime, and cilantro are my favorite flavors.. ranking right up there with chocolate! 

1 onion, chopped

4 cloves of garlic, minced

4 cans of chicken broth (58 ounces)

1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies

2 (4 oz. each) cans chopped green chilies

2 cups cooked, cubed chicken

3 cups brown basmati rice, cooked

1/4 cup lime juice

1 1/2 tsp. cumin

salt & pepper to taste

handful of cilantro, chopped

Saute onion with a Tablespoon of olive oil, until softened. Add garlic and cook for one more minute. Stir in chicken broth, tomatoes, green chilies, cooked chicken, cooked rice, lime juice and seasonings.  Cook for 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Right before serving , add the chopped cilantro.

Enjoy!                        

Price Pfister Faucet Giveaway

Anyone need a new kitchen or bathroom faucet?
I found a great giveaway for you!

Visit The Not-So-Blog for details.
Price Pfister website

Congratulations Winners!

Congrats to Nikki Stagat who won these earrings on one of my Facebook contests.  I'll mail these ASAP Nikki! :)

I have several more jewelry items in giveaways on Facebook. See my page for details:

Jewelry4Change on Facebook

Congrats to Michelle, who won the Starbucks card
for her comment on my Valentine's Day post

 

I'm posting a fantastic soup recipe on Tuesday. I think it's the lime juice that makes it special.  Any guesses what kind of soup it is?  Hope you'll stop by to check it out. 

 
I'm curious... what's your favorite soup?

Incredible Freedom!

Galations 5:1 says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery."

Ok... that sounds pretty basic. You're not a slave, right?

Well, I am.  Wait! Before you rush off to call the police to rescue me, let me explain.

I'm a slave to worry. On the outside I may appear calm, but worries swirl in my head more frequently than I'd like to admit.

Several months ago I opened an Etsy shop for my handmade jewelry. If you've read my "Causes" tab, you'll know that my goal is to raise awareness and money for Africa Water and Life. Since I opened the shop just before Christmas I was fortunate to receive quite a few immediate sales.  

Here comes the worry...

Lately, sales have slowed. In fact, I recently had an 8 day dry spell. I began to think of ways to boost my business... sales, advertisements, a newsletter. How could I handle this on top in addition to my teaching job... aaaahhhh, there's so much to do.  Worry crept into my little brain and said, "What if I don't sell anything?! "

Have you ever heard the phrase, "Let Go, and Let God"?  I heard it on my car radio Monday, and it struck me like a brick.  I didn't need to worry and stress.  Where's my trust in God gone?  

So, on Monday as I drove home I had a little chat with God. "Ok, God, if I'm supposed to have sales I will. I'll let go and see what you do."  A weight lifted from my shoulders, and I actually laughed out loud. 
 

THIS is the freedom God gives us. If we are listening to Him, things work out as they should, without us running in circles, striving, and worrying.  

It just so happens that sales were in God's plan for my little shop. I pulled into my driveway, set down my purse and turned on my computer, and (you guessed it!) there was a jewelry order in my inbox... and two the next day! 

Thanks for the reminder God.

Have you had any reminders from God lately?

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

What does that mean, anyway?  While I can't tell you the origins of that phrase, I can tell you that it feels really great to win! 

Last week I won several blog contests. On Monday my mail carrier delivered my goodies... yep, all in one day!  I got a beautiful, handmade scarf, a set of personalized greeting cards, a 6 pack of fabulous organic chocolate bars and a bamboo cutting board. 

You're probably imagining me at the keyboard for 48 hours straight entering contests, but honestly I only entered a few. It was just my week to be the winner, for some reason.

So... since I now know the joy of winning, I'd like to spread a bit of that happiness around. This blog is not primarily a giveaway blog. I'll still post about my favorite things, like  cooking, reading, gardening and photography... but I figure a giveaway here and there will only add to the excitement, right? 

Are you feelin' the giveaway excitement yet?  

Try these contests for starters:

Jewelry4Change: leave a comment on my Valentine's Day post (here) and you'll be entered to win a Starbucks card.

A Lifetime of Learning:  Win a beautiful necklace! Deadline for entry is Feb. 22.

Mommy Katie: LG Vacuum Cleaner Giveaway Deadline for entry is Feb. 27.

Discovering the Me in Mommy: Knickernappies Cloth Diaper Giveaway  Deadline for entry is March 1.

East 9th Street: Ginsu Knife Set Deadline for entry is Feb. 23.


Ooo, I just found a new one for you. Go to My Baking Addiction and enter to win a KitchenAid Mixer. Join her site to keep up with her excellent recipes.  As a breast cancer survivor, myself, I'm excited that this giveaway is supporting breast cancer awareness.  Have you had your mammogram? Enter Here:  My Baking Addiction  ♥ ♥ ♥

If you're a blogger with a current giveaway (family friendly only) feel free to add a comment about it.  Also, check back... I plan to have a Giveaway Linky set up next week.

Good luck!

♥ ♥ ♥ LOVE! ♥ ♥ ♥

Us... in 1980
It's hard to remember when I was this young... or thin!

30 years later...

We've raised two wonderful children, moved several times,

battled cancer, started a business, traveled to incredible places,

... and through it all...we're still in love!

♥ Happy Valentine's Day Rick ♥

Tell me something special about your husband (or wife).
One comment, chosen by random.org will win a $5 Starbucks card. (Be sure to leave me your e-mail address.)

Friday Friends: Starlike

You’re going to love the Etsy artist I’m introducing today!

Let me start by sharing the tagline on her shop:

        Stuff.  Awesome stuff.  Funny stuff.  Weird stuff.  Cute stuff.
         If the stuff you want isn't here, just ask. :)

I would add “Yummy stuff”!  

Sharon’s parents gave her a set of Sculpey Polymer Clay when she was in elementary school, and she’s been sculpting ever since.  Today she sells her little monsters, miniature food jewelry and an occasional steampunk teapot in her Etsy shop, “Starlike.”

I love these earrings... I'm sure they'd be a real conversation starter!

 This Red Velvet Truffle is a pendant. It would be so cute on a chain, ribbon or leather necklace.  

“Inspiration for my clay creations comes from either my imagination or my stomach!” says Sharon.

Sharon, a studio art major at UC Irvine, also works with ceramics and plans to include many more ceramic items in her Etsy shop in the future.  

  The ice cream is the lid of this glazed ceramic jar.  

Visit Starlike on Etsy to see many more adorable creations.

Wordless Wednesday: Shoes!

Shoes being donated to Soles4Souls

Spice Crusted Flank Steak with Onion Compote and Baked Parsnips

I have a confession to make... I've NEVER cooked a parsnip!

Until last week, when I tried these recipes from Aarti Sequeira
on Food Network.  We loved them! 

The sweetness of the onions is a perfect compliment to the spicy crust on the steak.  You can purchase Garam Masala (an Indian spice mix), or make your own, as I did.

  I'm participating in Feasting in Fellowship Fridays

Spice Crusted Flank Steak with Onion Compote

Rub Ingredients:

  2 Tablespoons chile powder
  1 Tbl. ground coffee
  1 1/2 Tablespoons brown sugar
  1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
  1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  1/4 teaspoon garam masala (see my recipe below)
  1  (2 lb.) flank steak

Compote:

  2 Tablespoons olive oil
  4 large onions, sliced very thinly  kosher salt
  4 dates, pitted and minced
  1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  1/2 cup water

For the rub, Stir together the rub ingredients, making sure to break up any brown sugar nuggets.  Pour 1/2 the mixture over 1 side of the flank steak and massage into the meat. Turn the steak over and massage the rest of the rub in.  Place the steak in a plastic bag and let marinate at least 2 hours. (I left mine overnight.)  

Onion Compote: Heat the olive oil in a very large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onions, a pinch of salt and stir to coat with oil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn a deep caramel color, about 45 minutes.

Warm a grill pan over medium heat.  

When the onions are caramelized, add the dates, vinegar and water. Stir and cook, covered for another 15 minutes.

Pour a little vegetable oil into a paper towel. Use this to wipe the oil onto the grill pan.

Once the grill pan is nice and hot (oil lightly smoking), throw your rubbed-down meat on. It should sizzle upon contact. (It's important that the pan is hot, so you'll get a nice crust on the steak!)  

After 5 minutes on 1 side, flip over and cook another 4 to 5 minutes. Check the temperature. If you like it medium rare, remove the steak from the pan when the temperature reads 125 degrees F. 

Pull onto a chopping board, and tent with foil; allow the meat to rest for 5 minutes, to seal in the juices.

Slice the steak thinly against the grain on the bias.  Serve with a dollop of onion compote on top.

Parsnip Chips

1 1/2 pounds parsnips
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons chile powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Peel the parsnips and slice off the root end. Cut into thick fries. In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, chile powder, garam masala, salt, and pepper. Add the parsnips and toss to coat. Place on a parchment or foil-lined baking sheet.

Roast for 40 to 45 minutes, tossing the chips halfway through to ensure even cooking.  

Garam Masala
(If you can't find this spice at your store, you can combine spices to make this version):

1 Tablespoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 1/2 teaspoons ground pepper
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Place this mixture in an airtight bowl and store in a cool, dry place.

 

Linked to Inspiration Friday. ♥