Easy Homemade Granola

Feel free to adjust amounts to get the sweetness and texture you like best.

       1 cup sunflower seeds (hulls removed)
       1/2 cup sesame seeds
       1/4 cup almonds (chopped or slivered)
       3 cups rolled oats
       1/2 cup brown sugar
       5 Tablespoons vegetable oil
       1/2 teaspoons salt
       1 Tablespoon vanilla
       3 - 4 cups natural maple syrup
       1 teaspoon cinnamon
       1/2 cup dried fruit, such as raisins, apricot pieces, cherries, cranberries (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. In a skillet containing no oil or liquid, combine the seeds and nuts. Heat over a low flame stirring frequently, just until you start smelling a toasty warm aroma. (Keep watching and don't let them burn.) You can also toast them for 2 minutes in a pan in a toaster oven set on low.
3. In a large bowl combine, combine toasted seeds and nuts with remaining ingredients, except dried fruits. Spread the mixture on 2 cookie sheets and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden, turning the mixture frequently with a spatula or wooden spoon while baking. Remove from the oven and leave the granola in the pans while cooling. Add dried fruit to granola and stir to combine. Store in an airtight container. Makes about 6 cups.

Variation: For a different flavor, experiment with different nuts, or add a touch of orange or maple extract. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding or subtracting brown sugar or maple syrup.


Swedish Crepes

       1/2 cup flour
       3/4 cup milk
       1 egg
       1/4 cup sugar

       Butter
       Lingonberry preserve

1. Put the flour in a bowl and slowly mix in the milk with a fork. Mix until is has a very fluid consistency. 2. Add the egg and mix well.
3. Repeat step 2 with the sugar.
4. Heat a skillet with a very small amount of olive oil on a medium-low flame. Make sure there oil covers the bottom of the pan completely.
5. Pour in batter until it thinly covers the bottom of the skillet.
6. When the edges turn light brown it is time to flip the crepe, then allow the second side to bake about 1 minute.
7. Put the crepe on a plate and slather on as much butter and lingonberry preserve as you want and roll into a tube. Repeat with the rest of the batter.


Berry Breakfast Shake

       5 ice cubes
       1 cup frozen or fresh mixed berries
       1/2 cup half and half
       3/4 cup orange juice or milk

1. Crush the ice cubes in the blender.
2. Add berries and "pulse" the blender until berries are pureed. Add remaining ingredients and puree until smooth.
Makes one big shake.

Variations: Experiment with different kinds of fruits (try mangos, blueberries, peaches or papaya) and juices (pineapple and apple are good).