Popcorn

Why buy microwave or already popped bagged popcorn when making the real thing is healthier and less expensive?  It's also easy!  Here's how:

Buy some popcorn kernels in a jar or in bulk section of your grocery store.

For the microwave, put 1/4 cup kernels in a dry brown paper lunch bag.  Fold over the top of the bag twice and put in microwave for 3 minutes.  If you hear significantly less popping toward the end, take it out before the 3 minutes is up so it doesn't burn.
Three minutes is usually perfect though!  Melt some real butter and toss in the popcorn with some salt too.

For the stovetop, put a few tbsp. of oil - either canola or coconut- in a large heavy bottom pot with a lid.  Turn on the heat and add 1/2 cup popcorn kernels.  Put on the lid and let it sit until the you start to hear some popping.  Shake a little here and there until you hear less popping.  Take a peek in but be careful!  Those kernels will still be popping!  Once most of the kernels are popped, remove from the heat and keep the lid on while you melt the butter.  Toss in the melted butter & salt and enjoy during family movie night!

Croutons

I was getting really sick of throwing out the ends of bread, and sometimes even the first and last pieces if they weren't quite as soft as the middle ones.

For two weeks, I saved the ends of our loaves of sandwich bread and ended up with 8 slices to use for homemade croutons.

Stack the slices in pile and use a serrated knife to cut into cubes.  Place on a cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil then sprinkle lots of good stuff on top - salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, grated Parmesan, etc.

Toss with your hands and pop into preheated 400 degree oven until lightly browned and crisp - about 15 minutes.

They were delicious, just like the store bought but healthier since our sandwich bread is always whole wheat, sprouted grain or multi-grain.

Why didn't I think of this before?

Granola

Why buy granola when it's so easy to make at home?

Here is my recipe which I have perfected over time.

3 cups Quaker oats, can be old-fashioned or quick cooking
1 generous cup shredded coconut, sweetened
1 cup nuts, any kind, chopped or whole
1 cup dried berries &/or raisins
2/3 cup agave nectar &/or pure maple syrup
1-2 tsp. vanilla, almond or coconut extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place all dry ingredients, minus the dried berries, on a large baking sheet and mix well with hands.  Toast in oven up to 10 minutes time, check after 8 minutes.  Oats, coconut and nuts should be just toasted & lightly brown.

Remove from oven and while still warm, mix in the remaining ingredients.  Stir well to combine then spoon back onto cookie sheet and bake again, for up to 20 minutes, checking after 15, and stirring once only.  Avoid over-browning because then your granola will taste burnt.

Remove from oven and let sit until COMPLETELY cool.  Granola will be firm and clumped together, not sticky... the best kind!  Using a spatula, break apart and place into airtight container & store in fridge.

This granola is so good on its own, over yogurt and berries or as a cereal in milk.

Enjoy!