Recovery: Granola

Yesterday was another day of a bit of baking - granola this time.  I've never made granola, but my mom used to.  So I thought I'd try.

I made this cinnamon raisin granola, but didn't have coconut.  I used crushed pecans instead.  It turned out really well!  I gave some to a friend, and ate most of the rest this morning.  I'll definitely make that one again.  Made the house smell good, too.

Recovery: Mac and cheese

At the suggestion of my friend Laura, I will start putting the recipes I'm trying during this recovery time.

I made this mac and cheese the other day.  Here are my suggestions:  add a bit of milk, lessen the amount of bread crumbs (they are overpowering) and add more cheddar!  It isn't cheesy enough without more cheddar.  With those changes, I'd give the recipe 4 stars.  Without them, 2 stars.  It tastes good, but it more a casserole than mac and cheese.

The sun is showing it's pretty little face today.  I'm headed to Steven's Hospital to start my volunteer orientation so that Dozer and I can visit as a pet partner team.  Next week I will be at my 6 week follow up appointment with Dr. Heffez.

Recovery: A Recipe

I made this yesterday.  It is delicious, dense, and comforting.

Apple Spice Cake


1 1/2 c all-purpose flour
1/2 c whole wheat flour
2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1/2 t ground cinnamon
1/4 t ground nutmeg
1/2 t ground cloves
pinch of allspice
6 T softened unsalted butter
6 T light brown sugar
1/4 c molasses
2 eggs
1 t vanilla
1/4 c applesauce
2 apples

• Preheat oven to 325, butter and flour a 5x9 loaf pan
• In medium bowl, whisk together both flours, baking powder, salt, and spices
• with electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar til fluffy (approx 4 minutes).  Add molasses, add eggs one at a time, plus vanilla til well blended
• with mixer on low, add 1/2 flour mixture, beat in applesauce, add remaining flour mixture
• peel and core apples, cut them into 1/4 in cubes, fold into batter (it will be seem like a whole lot of apple and not enough batter, but it works)
• put into pan, bake for approx 1 hour

Someone else needs to try this recipe.  I had it for breakfast, but I also had it with ice cream.  It was like apple pie.

Baking is one thing I've been doing to keep myself occupied.  But I need to start giving more away.