Chasing Away the Chills

So....the cottage smells like a Cabela's store. You know, that sweet roasted nut smell that makes your mouth water. Why? I will get to that....

There is nothing like a snow/freezing rain/rain storm to make you want to curl up and do warm things inside.

As a blizzard raged outside, we started off the day with homemade lattes. Check out my latte art - I was going for a bulldog.

As you can see, it was a very hectic day.  The kids and dogs spent most of the day napping.

This afternoon Grandma energized everyone enough to make homemade granola. It made the cottage smell heavenly.

Grandma's Homemade Granola Recipe

INGREDIENTS:
4 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup nuts or seeds
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon cardamon
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup melted coconut oil
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2/3 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped dried fruit

Seamus pulled out all the ingredients.

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together oats, nuts, spices, and sea salt until evenly combined.

Seamus measured the oats.

Liam chopped the nuts.

In a separate mixing cup, stir together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract until combined. Pour the coconut oil mixture into the oats mixture, and stir until evenly combined.

Liam: "Can we taste test?"

Grandma: "Not yet."

Liam: "Now?"

Grandma: "Nope."

Liam: "Now?"

Grandma: "No."

Liam: "Now?"

Grandma: "..."

Not to be outdone by his older brothers, Alistair had a chance to mix too.

Spread the granola out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through. 

 Remove from the oven and add the coconut.

Bake for 5 more minutes, until the granola is lightly toasted and golden.

Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire baking rack. Let cool until the granola reaches room temperature. Stir in the dried fruit, chocolate chips or any other optional add-ins you might prefer.

We added raisins, cranberries and blueberries.

Ta-da!

We tried to convince that boys that "good things come to those who wait" but taste test time could not come fast enough for them.

Serve over yogurt or ice cream for an after dinner treat.

Yum!

We closed out the evening with a roaring fire.  There is nothing like the heat from a wood stove to warm you to the bone.

It might have taken all day but we are finally warm and cozy in the cottage.  I am looking forward to a restful night's sleep and another relaxing day at the cottage tomorrow.

*Granola recipe inspired by www.gimmesomeoven.com