My Favorite Granola Recipe

I love granola, I am a junkie.  Especially with yogurt, it makes a healthy snack or even a dessert if you are so inclined :) But, to buy ready made granola in the store can get pricey, and if you are not the only one to eat it (ie: my kids love it too) it can go quickly and there you go $5 down the tubes in less than 5 days! So I searched and tested out a few different recipes I found and narrowed it down to this one which I love - and I always have all the ingredients on hand so I can whip up a batch whenever I want! I adapted it from a granola bar recipe I found on allrecipes.com, here it is:

Homemade Granola:

2 1/2 cups oats (regular or quick - I've used both)
1/3 cup melted butter
1/4 cup of honey
1/6 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup flour (any kind)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees, spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.  Put all ingredients into a stand up mixer (or mix by hand in a bowl) until mixed well.  Spread evenly onto baking sheet and pop into oven. 

Bake 10 minutes; take out and turn over (you'll see underside is browned and top still looks raw) Bake again for 6-7 minutes (watch it because if you have a super powered oven it will burn quick!) when done it will be a delicious golden brown, let cool and store for up to 3 weeks in a sealed container. Yummy!

New Year, New Start, New Goals

Ahhh, the first of the year.  I tend to "reinvent" myself a few times a year; financially, stylistically, physically and organizationally - but the first of the year tends to give us all as a whole a place to start which I love! I love seeing more people in the gym and walking their dogs and new blog posts, it seems the "New Year" gives society a reason to make a fresh start, and really who doesn't love a fresh start.  One of my main goals is to keep up on this stinkin' blog.  So I have put it in writing and am making a conscience effort to post more often! Since our lives here are making huge transitions with career, family and personal growth it's even more important for my family and I to start on budget and keep as much money going into the bank as possible.  So I'm pulling out all the stops, waste less, homemade more, and pinch even more pennies.  I hope some of these tips and tricks can incorporate into your life as well, after all a penny saved is a penny earned...Happy New Year Blogland, and Happy New Start!