Some days I just feel fat!

Let’s face it.  I’m a girl who LOVES to bake.

So it’s pretty much inevitable I’ll have those days.

Lately I’ve been trying to eat better.

Be more conscious about the foods I’m putting into my body.

This has lead to a slight obsession with granola.

Now people usually love one of two types of granola.

Granola chunks that cling together or individual granola pieces perfect for sprinkling.

I live in the second camp.

I don’t want big chunky pieces.

I want to be able to sprinkle my granola over yogurt.

Or pour milk over it and eat it like cereal.

Even grab a handful as a snack.

I want you to enjoy some granola too!

Granola

2 1/2 C. Whole Wheat Quick Cooking Oats
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Nutmeg
1/2 tsp. Ginger
1/2 C. Honey
1/2 C. Walnuts (feel free to substitute your favorite or mix several varieties)
1/2 C. Oil
1/2 – 1 C. Dried fruit (I used cranberries, use what you like)

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil. Leave enough foil on the ends to allow you to pick the foil up off of the baking sheet once baking is complete. Pre-heat your oven to 350. In a large bowl mix nuts, spices, oil, and honey. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Stir frequently during baking. The edges will brown very quickly. Remove from oven and lift the foil from the baking sheet to stop the baking process. Allow granola to cool. Stir in fruit. Sore in an airtight container.

It’s coming….

Can you feel it?

Fall.

There’s just a hint of it in the air.

It teases me as I take my son to the bus stop every morning.

I feel it nipping at my legs as the sun sets.

I see it in the random crunchy leaf on the ground.

And my stomach is craving the warm filling foods it will bring.

Are you ready?

I know I am.

Pear Cranberry and Walnut Pie ~ (adapted from this recipe Family Circle Nov., 07)

For the Crust

2 1/2 C. All-Purpose flour
1 C. Butter (I used salted)
Ice Water

For the Filling

3 T. Butter
4-5 Pears, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1/3 C. Brown sugar, packed
1/4 C. Dried cranberries
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp Cornstarch
1 tsp Lemon juice
1/4 c. Chopped walnuts
1 Egg white
1 1/2 tsp Milk
1 T. Cinnamon sugar

**You’ll want to prepare your crust in advance as it needs time to rest in the refrigerator before it is rolled out.

To prepare the crust place the flour and butter in the food processor. Process until it resembles coarse peas. Gradually add ice water a tablespoon at a time until a ball starts to form. Avoid adding to much water and/or handling the dough to much. Shape into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 5 hours or overnight.

To prepare the filling add the butter to a nonstick skillet. Using medium heat allow butter to melt, add pear slices and saute’ until tender and beginning to brown. Stir in the brown sugar, cranberries, and cinnamon. Turn the heat to low. Cook until the sugar is dissolved. In a small bowl mix the corn starch and lemon juice. Stir in the cornstarch mixture. Cook for about a minute until mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and add the walnuts.

Remove the pie crust from the refrigerator and divide into 2 equal pieces. Return one to the fridge while you work with the first. Roll out into a 10″ circle. Place in the bottom of a 9″ pie plate. Shape into the bottom and up the sides.

Pour pear mixture into prepared crust. Roll out the other half of the crust. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes in the center of the crust, if desired. You can use your shapes to garnish the top of the pie. (If you don’t cut out shapes you’ll need to cut slits into the top crust in order for it to vent.) Place over the top of pear mixture, trim edges if required. Crimp edges to seal. Mix egg white and milk. Brush over the top crust and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake at 400 for 18-20 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Garnish with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.