Seven Wives Inn Granola

Here's the wet ingredients getting bubbly on the stovetop

The dry ingredients mixed together
The granola is baking and making my house smell wonderful


This granola recipe is off the hook. I eat it by the handful, sprinkled on top of oatmeal, stirred in with some yogurt and did I mention I like to eat it by the large handful? Staci introduced me to this delight-some treat and I love how easy it is to pull together, how healthy I feel eating it and mostly, how good it tastes. There is actually a bed and breakfast here in St.George called The Seven Wives Inn (dates back to Brigham Young/Mormon Polygamy times) and they are known for their fantastic breakfasts showcasing their homemade granola. Store it in a resealable container and you can munch happy for weeks.

Ingredients:
8 cups regular old fashioned oatmeal (not quick, instant or steel cut!)
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 1/2 cups wheat germ
8 oz coconut (wide, unsweetened if available)
8 oz almonds (I like to use slivered)
8 oz cashews
3 oz sunflower seeds
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tsp vanilla

Directions:
Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Mix wet ingredients together in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Add wet to dry, blending very well. Spread on 2 large cookie sheets (I used my sil-pat liners, you'll want to use something to line your sheets so the granola doesn't stick.) Bake for 2 hours at 200 degrees. Let cool and store in an airtight container. I try not to break it into itty bitty pieces, I like bigger chunks I can grab while snacking. ;)

Addiction

This one I like to call "The Beauty Shot"

I love it when things are true to their name. Like, the Beatles are the "Fab 4" because they were fabulous and there were 4 of them. And Johnny Depp is People Magazine's 2009's "Sexiest Man Alive," because he is (one) of the sexiest men alive. And being true to its name, this snacky mix is Very Addicting. I love to make it when I have company coming so that I don't eat it all by myself. Seriously, not because I think, " Oh, others will enjoy this!" but more, "I can't make this and eat it all by myself . . . again." Without further ado, I give you Addiction.
Thanks to Cyndi for first introducing it to us 5 years ago!

ps- Staci has a version that is slightly different and uses golden grahams, she'll have to post hers too.

2 boxes of Chex (one rice and one corn, or can use 2 corn or 2 rice)
1 lb sliced almonds
4 cups wide coconut (NOT flaked coconut, I buy wide coconut at a local health food store)
1 1/2 cups butter
2 cups sugar
2 cups light Karo syrup

In a ginormous bowl, (or brown paper sack works well too) combine cereal, almonds and coconut.

In a saucepan over medium heat, start melting the butter and then add the sugar and corn syrup. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil. Once bubbly, let it boil for 3 minutes, then remove from heat. Pour over the dry goods and stir to make sure all the sticky goodness spreads over all the cereal. Keep in a resealable container and enjoy!!

Caramel Corn

Few things are better than snuggling up on the couch with a bowl of caramel corn. Pop a movie in the DVD player, tuck the kids in bed and enjoy a cozy night at home. This is my kinda comfort food! My husband and daughter bust out their spoons the next morning for a little pre-breakfast sugar rush, while they dig into the leftovers. I much prefer it warm, freshly made. Pair this with an ice cold beverage or smoothie and its my idea of a perfect night!

1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 1/3 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup light karo syrup

In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. While stirring constantly over medium to medium-high heat, bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes and then remove from heat. Can be poured immediately over popcorn or can wait up to 20 minutes. If you let it sit for a while, be sure to stir again right before pouring over popcorn.


ps- I think caramel popcorn recipes with karo syrup are much better than ones that use marshmallows. I must be programmed to love all things extra sweet!