Shaking the Eight Ball



Have you ever wished that your scale was like an eight ball and you could just shake it again for a different number? Well, I feel that way this week. I went on vacation for three nights with my honey bunches and guess what, I gained three pounds! That is a pound a day people. That is just crazy. It was all worth it though, right???

The place where we went to get away was in Eureka Springs, AR. It was a bed and breakfast called Mt. Victoria. It is known for it's awesome breakfasts and even being featured in Southern Living. The one that was featured was Chris' signature smoked turkey breakfast pastry. I am here to tell you that it was reallllllyyyyy good. I'm not kidding. I have thought about it several times since I got home and I think that I am gaining weight thinking about it.

Eureka Springs was a really neat place to visit. Prince Charming and I had been talking about going there for several years and until now had not been able to go for whatever reason. I am really thankful for the time away. Now I need to figure out how to not expect breakfast being made for me every morning at 9:00 am and oh the not having anything to do aspect was something I could get used to as well. OK, back to trying to shake the eight ball and get a new number. Wish me luck.

Yummy Granola

Last week, my family went to Little Rock to visit my sister-in-law and niece who came in to visit from Pennsylvania. It was so fun to see my little niece and experience the harsh realities of hearing her tell me in her cute little voice, "no" that I could not hold her. She is two and I have not gotten to see her very much because they live so far away. It was definitely a fun time minus the rejection. :)

Upon our arrival, my mother-in-law displayed a yummy concoction that we fell victim to the whole time we were there. It was "Ultimate Irresistible Granola" from All Recipes submitted by Veronica S.. Thanks, Veronica S, for the 20 pounds! :)

When we got home, I made it for our family and it really was not around for very long. The only thing that I would add to this recipe would be a dash of vanilla in the canola and honey. The only other direction I would give would be to make sure you have two large baking sheets where the granola is not piled on top of each other in a thick layer. It is hard to get it to be crunchy otherwise. Mine turned out different from my mother-in-laws because of that, but I was assured by my many family members that it was still good. It was more granola bar texture rather than granola.

Ultimate Irresistible Granola
Prep Time:
15 Min
Cook Time:
20 Min
Ready In:
35 Min

Servings (Help)

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Original Recipe Yield 20 servings

Ingredients

  • 5 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup blanched slivered almonds
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (I just bought a can of nuts that had walnuts, pecans, etc)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup sesame seeds ( I did not have so I just put lots of sunflower seeds)
  • 1 cup wheat germ ( I did not have this either, but I am going to get some next time)
  • 2 cups shredded coconut
  • 1 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
  • 1 cup canola oil
  • 1 1/2 cups honey
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup dried cranberries (I substituted craisins)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  2. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, almonds, walnuts, pecans, sesame seeds, wheat germ, coconut and sunflower seeds. In a small pan over medium heat, stir together the oil and honey. Cook and stir until blended. You could also do this in a large measuring cup in the microwave, heating for about 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Pour over the oat mixture, and stir to coat evenly. Spread out in an even layer on two cookie sheets.
  3. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until the oats and nuts are toasted. Immediately after it comes out of the oven, stir in the raisins and dried cranberries. Let stand until cooled, and stir again to break up any large clusters. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, but I guarantee it won't be around that long!
Seriously good family memories with good family food!

Don't Think I'm Weird!


Don't think I'm weird if you see me driving with my fingers crossed!

My son has been reading a series called "Diary of a Wimpy Kid.". In the book they give each other the "cheese touch" if their fingers are not crossed.

I don't know about you, but the "cheese touch" sounds pretty icky! You wouldn't want it, would you?

Cheese touch, you're it! :)