THINGS TO DO: Make Homemade Granola

Granola - It defines a lifestyle. But it's better than that.

I use this recipe: http://www.kitchenscoop.com/recipes/granola

I stumbled across the cookbook "Cheap, Fast, Good" by Beverly Mills and Alicia Ross in our local library last fall. I checked it out, and then liked it so much I bought it and read it cover to cover despite Geoff's teasing. The book lives up to its name. The granola has become a staple in our household.

This is a sweet recipe - have I mentioned I love sugar? It is easy to make, fun for the kids to help mix, reasonable (especially compared to store bought granola), somewhat nutritious, and yummy. Even the kids liked it until I put it it their lunch once too often. I buy the nuts, wheat germ, and oats in bulk from the local health food store to lower the cost. I love it sprinkled on Wheaties. I wonder if I could make the Wheaties myself too?

THINGS TO DO: Make Homemade Popcorn

It's fun to make, fun to eat, good for you, and oh, so economical. Buy it organic in bulk from your local health food store and support organic corn seed production. Control the amount of fat and salt you add. Pop extra for school lunches the next day. Eat it up. YUM!

Though I am far from being a great cook, here is my version of how to make popcorn:
1) Place enough oil in the bottom of the pan so your popcorn won't stick. I try to make a lot of popcorn at once so this is about .25 inch for me.
2) Place several kernels in the pan while the oil heats.
3) Once a kernel pops, your oil is hot. Add as much popcorn as you would like to pop.
4) Wait while the kernels heat and pop. You can shake the pan to encourage the "old maids" to fall to the bottom and pop also.
5) Place popped popcorn in a bowl.
6) Melt butter in the pan and then pour over popcorn.
7) Add salt to your liking.