September Morning with Granola

The morning light was banana yellow against blue sky and fluffy, white clouds. I sat with my new friend on my patio looking out on ridiculously long grass and never once thought of mowing because I was sharing a splendid treat. Warm vanilla-scented granola with almonds, oats, and yes, corn flakes, atop a pillow of plain whole-milk Greek yogurt. Oh yes, there were even fragrant, tree-ripened peach slices to complete the dish. Like Ernie and Bert, peanut butter and jelly, chickens and Martha Stewart, these elements were meant to come together in a perfect zen celebration of my September morning and its magnificent beauty.

This granola is good on its own--perhaps even in the month of February, but it is especially nice served with yogurt and fruit. The following recipe is an excerpt from Miracle Pill 10 Truths to Healthy, Thin, & Sexy, by Tres Prier Hatch.

Tammy’s Granola

Makes 12 cups

In big microwave-safe mixing bowl mix together:

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup honey

½ cup water

Place in microwave for five minutes. Watch carefully, it will bubble up. Add:

3 teaspoons vanilla

¼ teaspoon salt

Pour liquid over:

8 cups old-fashioned rolled oats or 7-grain mix

4 cups nuts & seeds: almonds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, millet, quinoa, shredded coconut (unsweetened), corn flakes, wheat germ, etc.

Stir to coat oat mixture and spread in an even layer on four ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake at 275° for 45 minutes up to one hour. When cooled scrape granola into a large bowl with metal spatula. Add dried fruit if desired: raisins, currants, sultanas, apricot, prune, fig, date, mango, pineapple, banana, pear, apple, cherry, etc.

Store in airtight container. I keep a tub of granola in my pantry and extra in the refrigerator to keep the nuts and seeds fresh.

*Feel free to experiment with your favorite additions. Try amaranth, golden flax seeds or any other seed. Alternative grains are available in health food stores. Try millet, barley, spelt or kamut. As long as they are rolled or chopped fine, they can be added. Try natural maple syrup in place of some honey. For variety sprinkle cinnamon or other spices on the oats before baking.

Tres Hatch is the author of Miracle Pill 10 Truths to Healthy, Thin, & Sexy.