Homemade Granola Bars

Ever since I received this amazing cookbook for our wedding [and then actually unpacked it and started using it], I wanted to make these granola bars.  I also heard from a friend that she'd made them and they were terrific!

As I almost always do, when I use a recipe for the first time, I try not to alter it at all - then I find out what I want to change for the next time.  [As perfectly exemplified in my very-cashewy Spicy Stir-Fried Cashew Chicken I made tonight, about which I may or may not blog - it was cashew-iculous!]  These granola bars were a bit sticky.  Okay, a LOT sticky.

I'll definitely make them again (because they were seriously so good), but I'll certainly need to change some quantities.  And when I DO and find some better solutions, I will blog about it.  In the meantime, please let me know if you have any ideas, as well!  This time I tried almond pieces, coconut and sunflower seeds.  Next time, I might try peanuts and raisins or something else!  There are truly endless possibilities.

Print the recipe here.

Or here.  :)

On The Move!

No, not the website.  Houses!  Long story, but the house we own was rented out for 2 years.  Well, we moved back to Oregon earlier than expected...and the lease was finally up this weekend!  We've been transporting all our boxes, ripping out carpet, scrubbing every possible surface, and painting!

It's been a whirlwind of an exhausting weekend that's not really done yet.  Because of the carpet & paint situation, I couldn't unpack much but the kitchen.  So here is my pile of kitchen things minus lots I already put away.

See all the original boxes in the back?  Yeah, we moved to Peru right after getting married so I still have so many "new" things from the wedding gifts.  I can't wait to use them!

Please bear with me as we juggle moving and keeping up our [paying] jobs off and on this week.

I'll be back soon!

Wedding Day Eats

I was just doing a little reminiscing of our wedding this afternoon...we are about a month away from our 2-year anniversary and it's gone so fast.  The reception after the ceremony was not very formal or a full meal, but my fabulous caterer friend, Cindi, made some amazing appetizers!  Check these out:

On the right of the platter, please let me point out one of Mike's very few wedding-day requests....sausage bacon wraps.  My first reaction was "no way."  The thought grossed me out a little, but really...why not?  Cindi did a terrific job at making them presentable and everyone loved them!

Here is Mike after his first mouth-watering bite of his dream wedding food. :)

Oh, and we can't forget the cake. :)  Market of Choice made this one.

Photography by Ira Petersen.