Monday, August 11, 2014

creature comforts.



after about three months here on the island, i feel a little homesick at times. especially since my last birthday, i really miss my family and especially my twin sister. it's wierd what you take for granted and how things change. back when i was in san diego, i bitterly missed my fiance and now things are the opposite. i've always been a little bit strong, though, so i've been keeping myself busy with hobbies and cooking. granola was my favorite snack back home and iit still is now. unfortunately, things here are a little bit more pricey so i've made do with making stuff homemade. granola was no exception.

Cranberry Maple Granola
(adapted from Bon Appetit)

3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 egg white
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
3 cups old-fashioned or quick cooking oats
1/4 cup ground flax seeds
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1 cup dried cranberries

Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 325°F. Generously coat heavy large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray. Stir together sugar and syrup. Whisk in egg whites, extracts, and spice. Add oats, flax seeds, and coconut; toss well.

Spread mixture in even layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake 35 minutes. Using metal spatula, turn granola over (bottom will be brown). Bake 10 minutes. Cool granola completely in pan. Sprinkle in cranberries then store in airtight container.