Chilton County Peaches: Pork with Peach Salsa
July 30, 2010
Yesterday, I did a television cooking segment for NBC 13 Daytime Alabama featuring fresh Chilton County Peaches. One of the three recipes I made was Pork Chops with Peach Salsa which was featured on my site a few weeks back. It had such huge views that I was requested to feature it again. Here you go. I hope you enjoy.
Pork and Peach Salsa
Prep:
20 minutes
Cook:
13 minutes
Yield:
4 servings
Ingredients
1 cup peach preserves
1 tablespoon honey
11/2 pound boneless, skinless thinly sliced pork chops
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 large fresh peaches, seeded, chopped (about 11/2 cups) and divided
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 teaspoon chipotle seasoning
1 tablespoon honey
11/2 pound boneless, skinless thinly sliced pork chops
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 large fresh peaches, seeded, chopped (about 11/2 cups) and divided
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 teaspoon chipotle seasoning
Preparation
1. Preheat grill, grill pan or large lightly greased skillet to medium-high heat.
2. Combine preserves and honey in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside
3. Place pork in a shallow dish; season with salt and red pepper flakes. Brush peach preserve mixture over pork, tossing well to coat. Let stand 10 minutes at room temperature.
4. In a separate bowl, combine remaining peaches and remaining ingredients; set aside.
5. Remove pork from preserve mixture and place pork on a lightly greased grill rack coated with cooking spray. Grill over medium-high heat 4 minutes on each side or until done. Serve with fresh Peach Salsa.
2. Combine preserves and honey in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside
3. Place pork in a shallow dish; season with salt and red pepper flakes. Brush peach preserve mixture over pork, tossing well to coat. Let stand 10 minutes at room temperature.
4. In a separate bowl, combine remaining peaches and remaining ingredients; set aside.
5. Remove pork from preserve mixture and place pork on a lightly greased grill rack coated with cooking spray. Grill over medium-high heat 4 minutes on each side or until done. Serve with fresh Peach Salsa.
3 Responses to “Chilton County Peaches: Pork with Peach Salsa”
Chef Chuck says:
August, 01 2010at 11:01 am
Sweet and Savory!! I like this blend! Thank you for sharing:)
Chantel-foodnerdciao.blogspot.com says:
August, 07 2010at 01:01 pm
This looks wonderful! Great pic!
marla {family fresh cooking} says:
July, 30 2010at 07:05 pm
Love this sweet and savory combo. Pork is a great addition to a diet full of lean protein....it has so much flavor. Wish I had some of this recipe for dinner tonight.
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Light, Oven-Fried and Delicious: Panko-Crusted Fish Sticks
July 28, 2010
Since I was born and raised in the south, I can honestly say I have tried a lot of great fried foods. Over the years, I have worked hard to lighten some of my favorite southern dishes. These Panko-Crusted Fish Sticks have to be one of my favorites. When I made them recently, everyone was raving about them and begged for the recipe. Not only because they were so pretty, but the flavor was out of this world. I served them with this simple sauce, and dinnertime was a hit. These make a great appetizer or main dish for anytime during the year. This recipe also works great with chicken, cut into thin strips.
Panko-Crusted Fish Steaks
Prep:
10 minutes
Cook:
14 minutes
Yield:
4 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons pickle relish
2 tablespoons capers
2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 cup all-purpose or whole wheat flour
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
11/2 pound grouper or cod, cut into 11/4-inch slices
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons pickle relish
2 tablespoons capers
2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 cup all-purpose or whole wheat flour
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
11/2 pound grouper or cod, cut into 11/4-inch slices
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Preparation
1. Combine mayonnaise, relish, capers and dill in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Combine panko and paprika in a shallow dish. Place flour in another separate dish and egg whites in the third.
3. Season fish with salt and pepper. Dip fish in flour, then egg and dredge in panko mixture, pressing firmly to coat. Place on a large lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 400F 10 to 12 minutes or until fish flakes evenly when tested with a fork. Serve with mayonnaise mixture
2. Combine panko and paprika in a shallow dish. Place flour in another separate dish and egg whites in the third.
3. Season fish with salt and pepper. Dip fish in flour, then egg and dredge in panko mixture, pressing firmly to coat. Place on a large lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 400F 10 to 12 minutes or until fish flakes evenly when tested with a fork. Serve with mayonnaise mixture
5 Responses to “Light, Oven-Fried and Delicious: Panko-Crusted Fish Sticks”
Christine says:
July, 28 2010at 09:37 am
I agree with Marla. :) Thanks so much for another great recipe -- I've been looking for a healthy, tasty alternative to frozen fish sticks!
marla (family fresh cooking) says:
July, 28 2010at 08:07 am
Allison, your recipes are so simple yet filled with flavor and nutrition....just the way I like to cook! I can see why these fish sticks are a favorite :) xo
Jon E. Lewis says:
July, 28 2010at 10:03 am
The problem with these delicious recipes: They are like Lays potato chips: "You can't eat just one"
The kids and I were fighting over them until the plate was empty.
Sheila says:
August, 04 2010at 10:16 am
I am making this tonight - I love okra and normally I saute small whole okra - can't wait to try roasting them. Thanks for sharing.
Margo says:
July, 29 2010at 12:10 pm
This recipe sounds delish! I'm not fond of how unhealthy (not to mention pricey) frozen fish sticks are, so this looks like it would solve both problems. yay!
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Big Exciting News: My Upcoming Cookbook
July 26, 2010
I have some big news. Very big news!!! For those of you who have not heard, I am working on a cookbook, and the manuscript is due September 15th. It is more work than I ever imagined, and I can’t thank my kids, family and friends enough for their understanding during this busy time.
It is a very “big” book. When I say “big”, I mean it. 400 recipes. The book will be out spring 2011. It is a very exciting time, and I couldn’t have done any of this everyone’s awesome support. I cannot thank you enough.
I will blog more about it in the coming months. Stay tuned . . .
18 Responses to “Big Exciting News: My Upcoming Cookbook”
Christine says:
July, 28 2010at 09:38 am
Thank YOU, Alison -- greatly appreciated!
Caroline says:
July, 26 2010at 01:50 pm
The picture looks fabulous, will that be the cover shot?
Maria says:
July, 26 2010at 02:52 pm
Congrats!!!
marlynn says:
July, 27 2010at 09:24 am
congrats!!
marla (family fresh cooking) says:
July, 27 2010at 11:45 am
Oh my friend I am so proud of you. I know how much hard work, dedication & commitment it takes to work on such a HUGE project and be a mom. You rock! I can't wait to see & help you promote your book in September :) xo
Chef Chuck says:
August, 01 2010at 11:03 am
That is Great News!! Good Luck :)
Charlotte says:
July, 26 2010at 08:27 am
Congratulations! I just found your blog a few weeks ago and passed it on to my Mom. We have both tried several of your recipes and love it! When do you think the book will be ready for sale?
Alison Lewis says:
July, 26 2010at 08:33 am
Right now the publisher says early spring but I will blog about it more in the coming months. Official book title should be decided this week. Thanks for your support!
Christine says:
July, 26 2010at 09:30 am
Way to go, Alison -- how exciting! Even though I am always searching out recipes on the internet, nothing can compare to having a cookbook on the kitchen shelf. My daughter and I pull them out *all the time* to read and refer to. Looking forward to your cookbook!
Brett says:
July, 26 2010at 09:33 am
400 recipes? Wow! First, congratulations. Second, look forward to it. Third, the pictures of your food always make me hungry.
Alison Lewis says:
July, 26 2010at 09:33 am
Thanks Christine, and thanks for letting me share my recipes on your site http://quickmealhelp.com
Kathy says:
July, 26 2010at 09:44 am
Alison, All of your dedication and hard work is paying off. I can not wait to buy the cookbook. Every recipe that I've tried of yours has turned out perfect and tasty. It's sure to be my future "go-to" cookbook and one that I'll be giving as gifts.
zachary says:
July, 26 2010at 09:58 am
the supject was my idea
and i cant wait till it comes out
love,zachary
Alysa @ Inspired RD says:
July, 26 2010at 02:52 pm
Congratulations! I would like to do a cookbook in the future. I am sure it takes tons and tons of time and work. Can't wait to see it!
Alison Lewis says:
July, 26 2010at 03:22 pm
Caroline, it's one of the options but I haven't heard their final pick yet...
Leigh says:
July, 26 2010at 08:34 pm
I'm so exciting about our book! It's been fun to see all the recipes being tested in our kitchen! Good luck!
Andrea says:
July, 26 2010at 08:36 pm
I'm so excited about your upcoming book! I love your recipes, and I'm a big fan!
DJ Waldow says:
July, 27 2010at 01:14 am
Alison - VERY excited for you! I already knew, but still PUMPED!
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Homemade Strawberry-Blueberry Popsicles
July 23, 2010
My daughter, Leigh and I, were trying to figure out what to do with some fresh strawberries and blueberries. Since it’s been so hot outside (100 degrees today), I thought, how about popsicles? With only 3 ingredients, these Strawberry-Blueberry Popsicles were a home-run. They taste great, especially with chunks of fresh strawberries. Thank you, Leigh, for all of your help making these.
Homemade Strawberry-Blueberry Popsicles
Prep:
25 minutes
Yield:
8 servings
Ingredients
1 (4-serving size) package strawberry-flavored gelatin
1/4 cup boiling water
2 cups fresh strawberries, halved and divided
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/4 cup boiling water
2 cups fresh strawberries, halved and divided
1 cup fresh blueberries
Preparation
1. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in 1/4 cup ice cold water. Let cool.
2. Pour cooled gelatin mixture into a blender. Add 11/2 cups strawberries and blueberries; blend until smooth. Gently stir in remaining strawberries.
3. Pour strawberry mixture evenly into 8 popsicle molds or small cups and insert sticks. Freeze at least 8 hours or overnight until solid.
To unmold, rinse under warm water. Lift out carefully.
2. Pour cooled gelatin mixture into a blender. Add 11/2 cups strawberries and blueberries; blend until smooth. Gently stir in remaining strawberries.
3. Pour strawberry mixture evenly into 8 popsicle molds or small cups and insert sticks. Freeze at least 8 hours or overnight until solid.
To unmold, rinse under warm water. Lift out carefully.
4 Responses to “Homemade Strawberry-Blueberry Popsicles”
Kristen says:
July, 24 2010at 08:29 am
We love homemade popcicles! These are gorgeous!
zachary says:
July, 27 2010at 05:23 pm
mom i don't like the blueberry popcicles but i like the other ones
Barbara Bakes says:
July, 23 2010at 11:01 am
What a great, healthy summer treat.
emily says:
August, 05 2010at 09:18 am
these are soooooo yummy! the kids love them....and so do the parents!
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Crisp, Fresh and Flavorful: Basil-Citrus Shrimp Salad
July 21, 2010
I’m on a main-dish salad kick this week since it’s so hot outside. I’m also so busy developing and testing recipes for a Christmas project for a major brand. It is so fun to think about Christmas and smell holiday dishes cooking in my kitchen in July. Testing heavier recipes for work makes me want something really light and healthy for dinner. This recipe is one of my favorites for this time of year. I love the freshness of grapefruit, oranges and basil served with the shrimp. When I make this, it’s gone within minutes. It’s very low in carbs, fat, calories and gluten-free.
Basil-Citrus Shrimp Salad
Prep:
20 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Yield:
4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds unpeeled, medium-size shrimp (*Frozen shrimp, thawed may be used)
2 tablespoons diced shallots or purple onion
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
6 cups romaine lettuce leaves
1 cup pink grapefruit sections (about 1 large)
1 cup orange sections (about 1 large)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons diced shallots or purple onion
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
6 cups romaine lettuce leaves
1 cup pink grapefruit sections (about 1 large)
1 cup orange sections (about 1 large)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Preparation
1. Bring 11/2 quarts water to boiling. Add shrimp; cook 3 to 5 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink. Drain and rinse with cold water. Peel, devein, remove tails and chill.
2. In a large bowl combine shallots, lemon juice, Dijon and pepper. Add shrimp; tossing gently to coat.
3. Line a large serving bowl or platter with lettuce leaves and spoon shrimp in center. Add grapefruit and oranges; top with fresh basil.
2. In a large bowl combine shallots, lemon juice, Dijon and pepper. Add shrimp; tossing gently to coat.
3. Line a large serving bowl or platter with lettuce leaves and spoon shrimp in center. Add grapefruit and oranges; top with fresh basil.
2 Responses to “Crisp, Fresh and Flavorful: Basil-Citrus Shrimp Salad”
marla (family fresh cooking) says:
July, 21 2010at 08:47 am
Great addition of citrus in this salad. I usually have salads for lunch, will add this one to the menu! xo
Margo says:
July, 22 2010at 12:43 pm
This salad sounds refreshing. I'm having such fun collecting citrus recipes today - everyone has such great ideas. So when I make those scandalous citrus cupcakes, I can know that I have saved up come calories by eating this salad. Sounds like a win-win to me.
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Good For You Weeknight Recipe: Healthy Taco Salad
July 18, 2010
People ask me all of the time for healthier versions of recipes, and this is one of my all-time favorite main-dish salads. This Healthy Taco Salad recipe has only 184 calories, 4 grams of fat and 19 carbohydrates per serving. It’s so easy starting with a homemade taco seasoning blend for the beef and homemade baked corn tortilla strips. This recipe can also be gluten-free substituting gluten-free tortillas and gluten-free salsa. Enjoy for a simple, healthy weeknight dinner.
Healthy Taco Salad
Prep:
20 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Yield:
4 servings
Ingredients
3 (6-inch) corn tortillas
Cooking spray
11/4 teaspoon paprika, divided
3/4 pound extra lean ground beef
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup water
6 cups iceberg lettuce
3 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup salsa
4 tablespoons nonfat Greek yogurt
Avocado (optional)
For Gluten-free option, purchase gluten-free tortillas and gluten-salsa
Cooking spray
11/4 teaspoon paprika, divided
3/4 pound extra lean ground beef
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup water
6 cups iceberg lettuce
3 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup salsa
4 tablespoons nonfat Greek yogurt
Avocado (optional)
For Gluten-free option, purchase gluten-free tortillas and gluten-salsa
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut each tortilla into 8 wedges and arrange wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet. Coat wedges with cooking spray and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon paprika. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp. Let cool.
2. In a large nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Stir in chili powder, remaining paprika, cumin, garlic powder and salt, mixing well. Add 1/2 cup water. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally or until water has evaporated.
3. On each of 4 individual serving plates, arrange lettuce. Top evenly with ground beef, tomatoes, onion and tortilla wedges. Top with salsa, Greek yogurt, and avocado, if desired.
2. In a large nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Stir in chili powder, remaining paprika, cumin, garlic powder and salt, mixing well. Add 1/2 cup water. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally or until water has evaporated.
3. On each of 4 individual serving plates, arrange lettuce. Top evenly with ground beef, tomatoes, onion and tortilla wedges. Top with salsa, Greek yogurt, and avocado, if desired.
5 Responses to “Good For You Weeknight Recipe: Healthy Taco Salad”
Alison Lewis says:
July, 19 2010at 09:20 am
Thanks be sure to check out http://quickmealhelp.com and http://healthymomskitchen.com
marla (family fresh cooking) says:
July, 20 2010at 09:26 am
Yes, this is the perfect healthy taco. We love non fat greek yogurt for everything over here. xo
Alison Lewis says:
July, 20 2010at 09:29 am
Thanks! Be sure to check out Marla's awasome blog at http://familyfreshcooking.com
Christine says:
July, 19 2010at 09:12 am
Thanks so much for the idea -- we're going to have this tonight for dinner. We have a biz day and I was just thinking 'what to make' when your email popped into my inbox! Sounds delish!
Nisha says:
July, 18 2010at 03:54 pm
Hey Alison, this looks fabulous! I'm not a huge fan of ground beef, but I love taco salad. This is going on the menu plan next week. Thanks :)
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Summer Drinks for Kids and Adults: Orange Margaritas (with and without alcohol)
July 16, 2010
Okay, so occasionally I splurge and post a recipe that’s not the healthiest, but it’s the weekend, right? Here is a recipe for Orange Margaritas that’s great. I have to credit this beverage to Kay, who makes the best cocktails. We love going swimming at her fabulous pool, and she even makes non-alcocholic versions for the kids. This is a great summertime drink that’s perfect when you want something really easy but special and delicious.
Orange Margaritas
Prep:
5 minutes
Yield:
4 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup orange juice with mango
1 cup triple sec
3 cups ice
1 cup tequila
4 frozen margarita glass
Salt if desired
Lime and orange slices
Nonalcoholic version: see below
1 cup triple sec
3 cups ice
1 cup tequila
4 frozen margarita glass
Salt if desired
Lime and orange slices
Nonalcoholic version: see below
Preparation
1. In a blender, combine orange juice, Triple Sec and ice. Puree until completely blended. Add the tequila and puree for 2 seconds more.
2. Pour the mixture into the frozen margarita glasses topped with salt, if desired, and serve.
For nonalcoholic version. In a blender, combine 1 can frozen limeade, 3 cups water, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice and 1 cup ice. Blend well.
2. Pour the mixture into the frozen margarita glasses topped with salt, if desired, and serve.
For nonalcoholic version. In a blender, combine 1 can frozen limeade, 3 cups water, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice and 1 cup ice. Blend well.
2 Responses to “Summer Drinks for Kids and Adults: Orange Margaritas (with and without alcohol)”
marla (family fresh cooking) says:
July, 16 2010at 10:11 am
This is the perfect poolside celebration cocktail. Is that your daughter? She is precious! xo
Alison Lewis says:
July, 16 2010at 11:59 am
Yes, she is. I have 2 sons too, but they wouldn't get in the pic!
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Taste of Summer: Savory Tomato-Basil Pie
July 14, 2010
When I worked at Southern Living Magazine, we tested a lot of Tomato Pie recipes. I have been searching for one without mayonnaise that was lighter, healthier and still tasted great. My assistant, Alatia, told me about one that she made recently. This Tomato-Basil Pie is super easy, and it makes great use of summery fresh tomatoes and basil. My kids said it tasted similar to a pizza, and they loved it. This is a great recipe idea for a party appetizer, light main-dish dinner or lunch. Serve with a drizzle of balsamic if you like. It’s a true taste of summer.
Tomato-Basil Pie
Prep:
15 minutes
Cook:
25 to 30 minutes
Yield:
8 servings
Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) package refrigerate piecrust (see note below)
5 slices mozzarella cheese
3 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
5 slices mozzarella cheese
3 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Unroll 1 piecrust and place in a 9-inch pieplate. Unroll remaining crust and press over bottom crust; gently roll or press crusts together. Fold edges under and crimp. Arrange cheese slices evenly over bottom of crust. Top with sliced tomatoes; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.
3. Bake in preheated oven 45 to 50 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Let cool 10 minutes. Top with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Feel free to use only 1 crust for a thinner crust. If using only one, bake in preheated oven for only 25 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Unroll 1 piecrust and place in a 9-inch pieplate. Unroll remaining crust and press over bottom crust; gently roll or press crusts together. Fold edges under and crimp. Arrange cheese slices evenly over bottom of crust. Top with sliced tomatoes; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.
3. Bake in preheated oven 45 to 50 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Let cool 10 minutes. Top with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Feel free to use only 1 crust for a thinner crust. If using only one, bake in preheated oven for only 25 minutes or until golden brown.
3 Responses to “Taste of Summer: Savory Tomato-Basil Pie”
DJ Waldow says:
July, 27 2010at 01:13 am
Alison - VERY excited for you! I already knew, but still PUMPED!
DJ Waldow
@djwaldow
DJ Waldow says:
July, 27 2010at 01:13 am
Oops. That comment was supposed to go on another post!
Elizabeth says:
July, 15 2010at 02:40 pm
Your blog is my ultimate favorite! Thanks for all your incredible creativity
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Special Snack Treat: Chunky Nut and Dried Fruit Granola
July 13, 2010
One of my favorite things to snack on is granola. In town, Big Sky Granola is one of my favorites because it’s chunky like this Chunky Nut and Dried Fruit Granola recipe. I made this for a special treat for my friend who just had surgery, and she took one bite and said, “This granola rocks!” It is as good as it looks and full of wonderful ingredients.
Chunky Nut and Dried Fruit Granola
Prep:
15 mintues
Cook:
1 hour, 15 minutes
Yield:
10 cups
Ingredients
4 cups organic old-fashioned uncooked oats
1 cup unsalted, roasted sunflower seeds, already shelled
1 cup organic whole walnuts
3/4 cup whole natural almonds
1/2 cup flax seeds
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup lightly browned sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup dried berry mix (or a mixture of dried cranberries, blueberries or cherries)
1 cup dried, chopped apricots
2 tablespoons toasted coconut (optional)
1 cup unsalted, roasted sunflower seeds, already shelled
1 cup organic whole walnuts
3/4 cup whole natural almonds
1/2 cup flax seeds
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup lightly browned sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup dried berry mix (or a mixture of dried cranberries, blueberries or cherries)
1 cup dried, chopped apricots
2 tablespoons toasted coconut (optional)
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 275F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds and flaxeed. Set aside.
3. In a small saucepan, combine butter, honey and brown sugar over low heat, and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg.
4. Stir butter mixture into oats mixture, mixing until well coated. Press out firmly onto a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until lightly browned (do not stir during baking). Let cool completely in pan.
5. When granola is cool, bread apart into chunks and stir in dried fruit and coconut, if desired. Store granola in an airtight container up to 5 days.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds and flaxeed. Set aside.
3. In a small saucepan, combine butter, honey and brown sugar over low heat, and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg.
4. Stir butter mixture into oats mixture, mixing until well coated. Press out firmly onto a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until lightly browned (do not stir during baking). Let cool completely in pan.
5. When granola is cool, bread apart into chunks and stir in dried fruit and coconut, if desired. Store granola in an airtight container up to 5 days.
11 Responses to “Special Snack Treat: Chunky Nut and Dried Fruit Granola”
Jon Lewis says:
July, 13 2010at 03:49 pm
This was the best. Had it as a snack last night and for cereal this morning. It is so addictive that it needs to have a warning label.
Alison Lewis says:
July, 13 2010at 12:39 pm
Yes, the pottery is my all time favorite and is made in Alabama where I'm from. Here's the link http://www.earthbornpottery.net/
Christine says:
July, 13 2010at 12:32 pm
This looks fabulous -- can't wait to try it. Beautiful serving bowl!
Alison Lewis says:
July, 13 2010at 10:11 am
Did you try it in the package or fresh out of the oven? There's a huge difference.
Alison Lewis says:
August, 01 2010at 07:35 pm
I love the idea of using coconut oil. Let me know how it turns out!
Caroline says:
July, 13 2010at 08:54 pm
I love the chunks! Makes it perfect treat for snacking. Homemade granola is WAY better than store-bought, you can control the sugar and fats.
Marci says:
July, 13 2010at 10:06 am
I just blogged about Big Sky Granola today. Just discovered it in Houston. Wanted to like it, but didn't. Maybe I'll try your homemade one and freeze it. I like that it doesn't have oils.
gaea says:
August, 01 2010at 05:47 pm
Hi from Cullman county, AL. what about using coconut oil rather than butter? I have been searching for a Big Sky-like granola recipe when I found your blog here.. for sure we save at the store, and also is much more environment friendly doing without the plastic bags. sounds really good will be trying it out with coconut oil soon as I get flax seed from store.
Thanks in peace ~
Maria says:
July, 13 2010at 03:58 pm
Great snack or breakfast!
marla (family fresh cooking) says:
July, 13 2010at 05:42 pm
Your chunky nut granola is loaded with all kinds of greatness! Just the way I like it. Your friend is lucky to have you cooking for her :) xo
The Food Hunter says:
July, 14 2010at 11:05 am
I love chunky granola...this looks delicious.
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Easy as Can Be: Brownie S’Mores
July 11, 2010
Recently, Naturally Nora, a company specializing in all natural baking mixes, asked me to experiment with some of their mixes. Their cake mixes, brownie mixes and frostings have no artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives or hydrogenated oil. I was so excited to try their mixes. My kids went nuts over their brownie mix, and it worked great in this simple Brownie S’mores recipe. It was so fun to make these with the kids-a wonderful summertime afternoon project.
Brownie S'mores
Prep:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 to 50 minutes
Yield:
Makes 20 servings
Ingredients
1 box Brownie Mix (I used Naturally Nora)
2 cups mini marshmallows
20 full graham crackers, halved
2 cups mini marshmallows
20 full graham crackers, halved
Preparation
1. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions. Let cool and cut into 1-inch squares.
2. Preheat oven to broil.
3. Place 10 graham cracker halves on an aluminum-lined large baking sheet. Place individual brownie squares on each graham cracker half. Top each brownie with 11/2 tablespoons marshmallows. Broil with electric door partially opened for 1 minute or until marshmallows look golden and roasted. Top with remaining graham cracker and press down slightly. Serve immediately.
Note: You can also cook these on indirect heat over the grill.
2. Preheat oven to broil.
3. Place 10 graham cracker halves on an aluminum-lined large baking sheet. Place individual brownie squares on each graham cracker half. Top each brownie with 11/2 tablespoons marshmallows. Broil with electric door partially opened for 1 minute or until marshmallows look golden and roasted. Top with remaining graham cracker and press down slightly. Serve immediately.
Note: You can also cook these on indirect heat over the grill.
One Response to “Easy as Can Be: Brownie S’Mores”
Margo says:
July, 12 2010at 01:20 pm
Ooh La La! Those look like Smore heaven! I never have thought there was enough chocolate in a S'more, but I do believe this would take care of that complaint.