Cranberry Ginger Granola
If I posted every version of granola I come up with, that's all I'd do. But here's this week's version, and a darn good one. In the first few days after I make a fresh batch, I spring out of bed in the morning, looking forward to that crunch.
I still give some away. When I first posted about granola, I bragged about parting with half the batch every time. Ha! I've gotten stingier and busier, I guess. The (small) bag went to my sister, who turned 34 this week and has done a lot of nice things for me lately. I feel so lucky to live 10 minutes from someone who has known me my whole life. And my niece and nephew...sweetest and cutest ever.
I listened to a story about inmates raising frogs today on NPR. They're growing tadpoles in tanks on prison property, and have success rates higher than other scientist-run research sites outside prison walls. One said, "All of us need a hand up in life, someone to help us on our way. We've been able to do that for these tadpoles." The other talked about his dreams of volunteering for a zoo when he got out.
You know me. Of course I was crying in the car, thinking about how all us need to know we're needed, how all of us need meaningful work in the world, whether we're locked up, taking care of kids, at the office, or anywhere in-between. I've nebulously mentioned all my work angst. You might be glad I've spared the details or, if you're Emily, you may want every juicy bit. Regardless, what I want to say today is my friend and mentor Kathy came for lunch and I had a gigantic breakthrough about who I am, what I'm good at, and what the pathway might be for getting where I want to go. I'm not watching tadpoles grow, but I feel at least as elated as those inmates, proud of their handiwork and dreaming about the future.
I don't know what this has to do with granola except that it's going to help sustain me in the hardworking months ahead. If there was ever a time not to skip breakfast, this is it.
Cranberry Ginger Granola
For years, I've been making my granola with canola oil, but I'm into butter lately. You can use all oil if you want, and sub honey or pure maple syrup for the brown sugar. Really, all granola recipes are just a scaffolding for whatever you want to do or whatever you have in your pantry. This recipes makes a lot in case you want to send some to your aunt or leave some on a neighbor's porch.
8 cups. thick-cut old fashioned oats
1 c. coarsely chopped hazelnuts
1 c. pumpkin seeds
1 c. whole raw cashews
1/2 c. canola oil
1 cube (1/2 c.) unsalted butter
1 c. brown sugar
pinch salt
1 1/2 c. dried cranberries
1/2 c. candied or crystallized ginger, finely chopped
Heat oven to 350 and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Combine oats, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, and cashews in a large bowl.
In a saucepan over low heat, combine oil, butter, brown sugar, and salt until sugar is dissolved. Pour over oats, mixing thoroughly. Spread out onto baking sheets and bake for 20-30 minutes until brown, checking often and rotating baking sheets halfway through.
While oats are cooling, add cranberries and ginger, stirring thoroughly. Transfer granola to an airtight canister(s).
November 17, 2009
Reader Comments (17)
Sarah,
I've been reading your blog for some months now. I was also on staff at NHM (long ago) and somehow found your blog through mutual connections. Clicked over here today to share with you an article I just read about motherhood. I thought of you immediately (after I thought of all the ways I appreciated it.). I think it will resonate with you, regardless of the journey's that lie ahead for you. http://www.washingtoninst.org/resources/articles/guest/motherhood-vocation.htm And as a side note, one of those tadpole raising inmates is the brother of several of my former NHM clients. He was on the cover of the Seattle Times not long ago. Warmly, Melinda
I just started reading, The Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado. It's wonderful and talks about finding that "sweet spot". I can't even explain how well this book is written, but it's more than I even expected.
By the way, ever since your first post on granola, I have been baking it regularly. I really do need it to keep me satiated during my busy season. I'm just about done...wrapping up so bring it on! I'm ready to fire up my oven/stove!
Granola is the one thing from IPOL that I make semi-regularly. I really ought to eat more of it, but I often forget and am kicking myself a few hours later when my stomach is growling in class.
Here's my favorite thing to do with the granola... I let the pan cool completely without adding any of the post-bake items. The whole pan becomes one big clump. I break up the clumps into smaller bits when I use my handy-dandy parchment paper to funnel it into a bin. I love love love these small clumps of goodness. I know it's not really meant to be done that way, but that's how I do.
I love that photo of the kids.
It's fabulous!
I bought granola yesterday instead of making my own, now I am asking myself, why did I do that?
Hi Melinda! Do you know how many times I have heard your name? So many. Maybe we can actually meet one of these days. I'm so happy to know you've been hanging around this blog. And I read this article you sent--amazing. Thank you. I sent it to a bunch of other mothers already.
pds, that is the PERFECT way to do granola. I agree--those crunchy bits are the best. I hope you are surviving your class load this quarter. If I had my druthers, I'd be over there in the morning, making SURE you don't skip breakfast :)
just this weekend i got all the goods for granola. this has inspired actually following through with the plan. love hearing about your time with kathy! much love. j.
Sarah + Naomi!
You have the cutest damn kids. I can not stop looking at Ezra. I love his little man self among those girls. I hope to see him again.
Gonna listen to that interview shortly :)
Thanks for the link. I found some other good stuff on there too.
I hope to see him again, soon. I hope to see him again sounds morbid or dramatic.
can't wait to see how your epiphany works itself out in your daily life. very cute kid pic! how is everyone getting so old??
I just decided to volunteer at a local food bank over the holidays and once a month thereafter. I am feeling like I'm a little lost right now and so it's probably a good time for me to help others. I always find your posts inspiring both for the food and the conversation.
oooooh...yeah. it's been too long since I've cooked me up a batch of granola...love your site!
It just occurred to me that this would make a lovely holiday gift. Wow! I was going to do cookies as usual but this would be different and good.
I think it is easy to lose sight of who you want to be in your life. Even without the immediacy of childcare. As a single gal I find the daily routine zaps my sense of self outside of work and keeping clean clothes and a comfy home. Especially now with the economic stressers we all feel. I felt my spirit stir at the description of your 'moment'. In a time where I seem to fall short of my own expectations. Thanks for reminding me to embrace Me and who I am and what I do well. Your soft heart and giving spirit shine through in just the smallest of sentences.
Sarah, I'm so enjoying your blog. Thank you for honesty and your heartfelt insights. I often cry in church, too! Pam
haha emily! yes, i hope you see him again soon too!!
Thanks, sister for the fabulous granola. Loved it, of course. Thanks for watching the kiddos and making my bday so special! Love you + love that kid pic! xoxo