Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Happy Fall!

It's official, my favorite season is here! Here is how we are celebrating the change of weather.

We decorated the house...










The boy and I made granola yesterday to enjoy for breakfast this morning...







Raw Pumpkin Spice Granola
this makes a fairly small batch, will be doubling next time

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup buckwheat
1/4 rounded cup raw sunflower seeds
1/4 rounded cup whole raw almonds
1/4 scant cup flax seeds

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 small chopped apple, optional

Put all of the dry ingredients into a food processor (you could use a hand chopper if you don't have a processor). Pulse a few times, until you reach desired chunkiness. Wisk wet ingredients together in a large bowl. Add dry ingredients and chopped apple, mix well. Lay granola out onto dehydrator trays lined with wax paper. Dehydrate for a couple hours, stir, dehydrate a couple more hours. Store in an airtight container.

I hate to brag, but this granola turned out amazing. It has won the title for the best granola I've ever had!


We made a perfect fall breakfast...





Pumpkin Peanut Butter Fall Oats

3/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup Bob's Red Mill 8 grain cereal
2 cups water
1 banana, sliced
1/4-1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
couple glugs of maple syrup
2 tbsp peanut butter, soft
pumpkin spice granola, recipe above

Combine oats, cereal, water and banana. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes. Add pumpkin and let it heat through. Add maple syrup, stir. Put into bowls and garnish with peanut butter and granola.


We spent the afternoon outside cleaning up the garden...






We had a fun day cozying up the house, reading seasonal books, and playing outside in the gorgeous weather. The day ended with a simple, warming dinner....



Roasted red potatoes, carrots and brussels sprouts. Served alongside some quinoa cooked in fresh chicken broth.



Enjoy the colors, enjoy the weather, enjoy the smells, enjoy this fall season!

4 comments:

  1. Pumpkin Pie Spice in granola!!!! I guess I know what I'm doing today, that sounds awesome.

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  2. I love the jar with the leaves. Did you just modge podge them on? So cute!

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  3. Vanessa - Yes, it's absolutely amazing! I can't believe I never thought of it before!

    Nisha - Yep, just a little modge podge!

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  4. Everything looks wonderful! I've made so many granolas, but never thought of pumpkin pie spice...go figure? I was just asking you yesterday for a recipe to use Bob's 8 grain with, perfect!

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