HEALTHY EATING: GRANOLA HOMEMADE

I am packing and getting ready to go on a short vacation for the next week. I know that with spring and summer fast approaching, we all want to get ready for swim suit weather and so we are trying to watch our weight. Or at least attempting to anyway. Some of us have better success at this than others. For me, the task is not an easy one.....I love food, all food and I love to eat! The following recipe was taken from the Barefoot Contessa and is very good. I hope you enjoy it, I also have it on hand to use with yogurt, cereal, fruit and even ice-cream for a little crunch. Enjoy
4 cups oatmeal (not instant)
2 cups coconut
2 cups sliced almonds
1 1/2 cups dried cherries (you can use any dried fruit you like)
1/2 cup veggie oil
1/3 cup honey
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Mix the dried ingredients together in a very large bowl.
Mix oil and honey and pour together with dry
stir until well mixed
pour into a jello roll or shallow pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.
HINTS: I also put wheat germ in my granola before mixing. I probably use approx. 1/4 cup. I also use sunflower seeds, maybe 1/2 cup depending on what you like. Check and stir the granola approx. every 10 minutes and make sure it doesn't burn. The time is takes to bake may be less for you than me. Just watch it, and enjoy.....YUMMY

TRIMS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT, FRINGE TOO!!

I want to take a moment and let all of you in on a secret: beautiful trims, beads, fringes, and lots of supplies for everything you can imagine. I have known this seller for over a year now and have been buying from Nancy for as long as that, at least. I have never been disappointed. What's better, she keeps adding items you just can't live without to her shop. If you want great service, this is the place to visit, great selection, many colors and styles, and friendly service. Nancy also likes to offer a variety of specials and coupons that can save you money. If you sew, craft, or are a scrapbooker, Nancy has beautiful trims you could use. Please check her out at:
www.linensandlaurel.com
http://lachambrerose.blogspot.com
http://www.livinonthefringe.etsy.com
You won't be disappointed.

Pink Saturday Is Here!!

Welcome to my Pink Saturday offerings this week. This is my first time posting and I want to thankyou for visiting. I thought it would be appropiate to feature something with a heart because of Valentines Day. Here we have a faux sugar cookie on a bone china dessert plate that is sure to please anyone on a diet. No fat and no calories. This is made from wood, then painted and sugared with german glass glitter. Enjoy!!

The Best Oatmeal Blueberry Bars EVER

I am hopeing that you won't mind one more recipe from me, so soon after the sugar cookie, but these are good!!!! They may be great to think about for the Easter weekend with your families.

1 3/4 cups Quick or old fashioned oatmeal

1 1/2 cups Flour, 3/4 Cup Brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon Baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup Chopped nuts, optional

3/4 Margarine or butter, melted

To grease pan, Cooking spray or shortening.

FILLING

2 cups Fresh or frozen blueberries

1/2 cup Sugar

2 Tablespoons Cornstarch

3 Tablespoons Water; divided, 2 Tablespoons and 1 Tablespoon

2 teaspoons Lemon juice

CRUST

Grease 11"x 7" baking dish. Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, nuts, baking soda and salt.

Add margarine or butter; mix until crumbly. Reserve 3/4 cup of mixture. Press remaining mixture into bottom of baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

FILLING

Combine blueberries, sugar and 2 Tablespoons of water in saucepan on stovetop. Bring to a boil; simmer for 2 mintues, uncovered, stirring occasionally.

Combine 1 Tablespoon of water, cornstarch and lemon juice. Mix well. Gradually, stir into blueberry mixture. Cook and stir 30 seconds, until thick.

Spread over baked crust to within 1/4" of edge.

Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes. Cool, Cut into squares.

Just so you know, the sweet angel sitting in the chair is my 3 yr old grand-daughter, Allie, the light of my life.