I am participating in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. My theme is open-ended. My goal is to write daily posts using each letter of the alphabet in April (Sundays off for good behavior and to make it work for the alphabet). I’ll be writing family stories, memoir or journal prompts, reviews about theatre and food, maybe a visit from my sock puppet characters Millie and Willie, and using photos I’ve taken along the way. Enjoy!

GI’m going to make this one easy on myself and give you one of my favorite recipes. Easy Home Made Granola. According to by boys’ buddy Alex, “It’s just the best.”

2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup coconut
1 tsp. salt (I use sea salt.)
1 tsp. cinnamon

3 Tablespoons plus 1 tsp. vegetable oil
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar (I have substituted Maples syrup.)
1 tsp. Vanilla extract

1/3 cup Almonds, pecans, or your favorite nuts (optional)

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, toss the oats with the cinnamon and salt.

In a medium bowl, stir together the oil, honey, brown sugar, and vanilla. Whisk until completely combined.

Pour the honey mixture over the oats mixture and use your hands to combine them: Gather up some of the mixture in each hand and make a fist. Repeat until all of the oats are coated with the honey mixture.

Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly, but leave a few clumps here and there for texture.

Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and use a metal spatula to lift and flip the granola. Sprinkle the almonds over the granola and return the baking sheet to the oven.

Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and use a metal spatula to lift and flip the granola and return the baking sheet to the oven.

Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven. Let cool completely. Add raisins, dried cherries, craisins, or other dried fruit if desired.

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Eat it dry by the handful, like my boys. Pour milk over it and add bananas, mm, a delicious breakfast. Sprinkle over yogurt, and enjoy! Store in airtight baggie or container.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling prompt: What’s your favorite snack?