Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Poppyprint Granola

I can hear you now....ANOTHER RETREAT?? Yes, I am off again on Thursday morning. Except this time I'm not working - the lovely RJ is hosting 5 of us stitchy friends at her island getaway. Pam will be there, as will double 'n' Dianne, Andrea and Jo. Four whole days of sewing joy. And two ferry rides, yippee! I plan to start on a new project; a queen sized quilt for our bed. This one is going to take a while, so I want to use this precious time to get a good start on it (hint: I'll be using Denyse Schmidt's Proverbial quilt letter templates....).

We're going to go out for a few meals, but also bring along some potluck. I love breakfast, so I always bring home made granola along to share, served with creamy vanilla yoghurt and fruit. YUMMY, EASY and FAST (so we can get onto those sewing machines pronto!). I've got a batch in the oven at the moment and thought I'd share the recipe in case you like granola and have always wanted to try making your own. There are a zillion granola recipes online, but this one has a secret ingredient (shared by our friendly neighbourhood local bagel maker, and now passed on to you).

Poppyprint's Retreat Granola

4 C rolled oats (not instant or quick oats, you want the nice big flat ones!)
2 C. spelt flakes (or just another 2 cups of oats)
1/2 C. pumpkin seeds
1/2 C. sunflower seeds
1/3 C. sesame seeds
1/2 C. coarsely chopped almonds
1/2 C. unsweetened coconut
1/2 C. wheat germ
1/2 C. canola or sunflower oil
1/2 C. liquid honey
2 Tbsp pomegranate paste*
1 tsp. vanilla
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
1 and 1/3 C. of dried cranberries and raisins mixed (these go in AFTER baking)

Combine everything except fruit. Spread on two baking sheets. Bake in the middle of the oven at 300 F for 30 minutes ONLY and stir every 10 minutes. Remove from oven, stir in fruit and let stand until totally cool (granola will brown up and crisp as it cools). Stores in an airtight container for 3 weeks.

Poppyprint granola

*Pomegranate paste is available in Persian markets, or some specialty food shops and typically comes in a tall skinny bottle. It lends a tangy little je ne sais quoi to the granola. I'm told it is often served over ice cream for dessert. If you can't find it, maple syrup or blueberry syrup would work well, I think. With a large Iranian population here, there are several markets where I can buy it locally.

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10 comments:

Lesly said...

Pomegranate paste! What an amazing sounding treat! I've never seen any here in Kingston, but I bet I could find it in Toronto. I'll have to put it on my list of big-city pick-up items! Your recipe sounds divine - I love homemade granola!

Andrea C said...

I'll vouch for Krista's granola - it is absolutely fabulous. And here's a bonus - you won't find any of those pesky raisins anywhere!!

felicity said...

Andrea C is my kind of gal - down with raisins!

Lucky you to be on retreat again! Have fun!!!

Holly said...

I've never heard of pomegranate paste - cool! Your quilting friends are lucky. Enjoy the retreat!

Amy Friend said...

I have recently started a granola making kick. I will have to try your recipe too.

Live a Colorful Life said...

Have fun fun fun! I was doing the same thing last weekend and it is the best!

Dianne said...

An island on the gulf coast, five of my favourite peeps AND your tasty Granola? How lucky can a girl get??!!!!!
Seriously folks Krista's granola is a must try - so yummy!!

dutch sisters said...

Have a wonderful retreat, enjoy!

Canadian Kristin said...

Okay... how can I get in on these quilting retreats you keep going on!!?!?! [jealous]

Have a great time!!!

trudys_person said...

Now that I know what to do with Pomegranate Paste I'm going to head up to Yaas Bazaar, and make this granola - it sounds so good! Thanks!