Homemade Hummus and Granola.

Not to be eaten simultaneously, of course.  lol.

But in these trying financial times, why would you spend $6 on a bag of granola or $5 on a tub of hummus if you could make it yourself?  And make it fresher, and better.  You could even design your own recipe using your favorite ingredients, rather than be stuck buying the flavors available in the grocery store.

Let's start with granola.  The beauty of both of these 'recipes' is their flexibility.  I do not necessarily follow a recipe, per se.  I tend to eyeball the concoction, judging for consistency, and tasting for the right flavoring.

For the granola, I throw the following ingredients, more or less, into a bowl.  If I have something else on hand, I toss that in there, as well.  If I'm missing something, it's okay, too.  Except if you're missing the oats.  That could be a problem.  lol.

3 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup coconut flakes, unsweeteend
3 tablespoons flax seeds
3 tablespoons sesame seeds
1/4 cup sunflower or pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup nuts, chopped (I used walnuts here)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups mixed dried fruit (I used dried cranberries and dried apples here)

Preheat the oven to 375. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the dried fruit. Stir well to incorporate.  Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out into an even layer. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes (depending on the depth of goldenness you’re looking for), stirring every 10 minutes.  Remove the granola from the oven and and cool completely, in its pan, on a wire wrack. Once the granola is cool, mix in the dried fruit.

 I love mine with yogurt.

And I ONLY eat Fiber One yogurt, because all of the other brands are too high in sugar and calories.  Check it out for yourself.  Why consume all of that extra sugar?  This stuff tastes just like the others, but less sugar.

Okay?  Granola.  Try it.  Don't buy it.  lol.  There are so many varieties you can make, with dried fruit and nuts.  You can use different extracts like orange.  Orange flavoring and dried cranberries would make a great combination.  You could add mini chocolate chips after it's completely cooled, if you're feeling devilish.  I could go on all day.

So now, the Homemade Hummus. 

I forgot to photograph the hummus as I was preparing it, but really, you'll get the idea.

Here's what you'll need:

2 cans of garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
1/4 cup of olive oil
1 clove of garlic, minced
Salt, pepper, or whatever seasoning you prefer, to taste

Throw it all in your blender or food processor, and blend until smooth.   Season to taste.

Voila.

Today, I added capers into the processor, then topped it off with a few more.  I also like to add some hot sauce, on occasion.  When I have them in the fridge, those jarred roasted peppers make a wonderful hummus.  Just toss a few into the processor while it's going.  There are so many things you can do with hummus.  Roasted garlic.  Sundried tomatoes.  Endless possibilities.