Why is it that a mom's cooking always tastes better?

I consider myself to be a very proficient cook. I'm excellent at following a recipe and it's rare that I make something I'm totally dissatisfied with. That being said, my food simply can't compete with mom's. I don't know what it is. Don't get me wrong...my food is still tasty. But sometimes it just seems like it's missing a tiny something special. Maybe I don't enjoy my food as much when I actually make it. Maybe using a gas stove adds something extra. I honestly think my mom is just magical. 


Since I believe that to be the case, she's going to take you through this recipe. And I hope yours turns out to be as delicious as hers. Anytime I'm home I snag a handful to munch on and this morning I had it as a cereal. Delicious! On a side note, I did make this the other day and it came out pretty well. Two things I want to add to her dialog: 1) I don't recommend using a roasted nut. I did this since it was what I had on hand, and it added a tad too much salt. Or at least if you do use an already salted nut, leave out some of the other salt. 2) When you take it out of the oven, it will be nicely golden, but it won't be crispy right away. As it cools, it becomes more crunchy. So don't panic and overcook it. You can always toss it back in after it has cooled some to brown up the bottom. 


That's all from me. Here is my mother's first post!


Here is a recipe for homemade granola that I have tried a few times. I have done it with different nuts: sliced almonds, walnuts, and pecans, or a combination. Whatever you have on hand will do fine. I have substituted the dried cranberries with dried tropical fruit or dried mixed berries, which included raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. All were great!


I keep mine in a big glass jar on the kitchen counter. It's good as a snack or a topping on yogurt, as well as a cereal with milk. ENJOY!

Homemade Granola


Ingredients


2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup dried cranberries (or other fruit)
1 cup sliced almonds (or other nuts)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 stick unsalted butter
1/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp pure vanilla extract


Preheat the oven to 325. Line a 9-inch square baking sheet with foil. Allow the foil to extend over the sides. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.


Combine the oats, cranberries, almonds, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. 


Combine the butter, sugar, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until butter melts and the mixture begins to boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.


Pour the butter mixture over the oat mixture, stirring until well coated. Pour into prepared baking sheet and press down evenly using a rubber spatula. 


Bake until top is golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Using the foil, lift out of pan and transfer to a rack to cool. Once cooled, place on a work surface. Crumble into pieces. Store in an airtight container. 

Recipe adapted from Food Network