The most addictive Granola!!!

I love Granola and hate the ones we get in the store! I set about attempting to make my own, and this is the best version I have had so far!

Rolled Oats (NOT instant/quick cooking) : 3 cups [I used Scott's Porage]
Chopped Almonds: 1/2 cup
Chopped Hazelnuts: 1/3 cup
Cinnamon Powder: 1/2 tsp
Almond Essence: 1/2 tsp
Vanilla Extract: 1/2 tsp
Oil: 1/4 cup
Maple Syrup: 1/3 Cup (get good quality American ones if you can!)
Brown Sugar : 1/4 - 1/2 cup (depending on sweetness required.)
Coconut: 2-3 tablespoons (optional)
Raisins/Cranberries/Dried Cherries/Dates: Any mix of your choice: 1/2 cup (optional) save it for the last

-Pre-heat your oven to 165
-Grease and line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper.
-In a big bowl, mix all the dry ingredients except the dried fruits.
-In a saucepan, mix the maplesyrup, sugar, oil and heat until the sugar is dissolved. Takes about 3 mins.
-Mix this liquid with the oat mixture and stir well to combine.
-The mix will be clumpy and heavy. This is how we want it.
-Stir to coat the oats evenly.
-Spread this onto the baking sheet and level it.
-Bake it for 30-35 mins, stirring and mixing every 5-10 minutes.
-at about 25 minutes, add the dried fruit (if using) and bake.
-Cool, store in an airtight can and it lasts for upto a month!

Chundal

It is navratri time and this is the most favoured dishes of all! And it is a breeze to make as a snack as well!

Canned Chickpeas/ Blackeyed peas/Rajma: 1 can, drained.
Oil: 1 tsp
Mustard 1/4 tsp

Urad Dal 1/2 tsp
Chana Dal 1/2 tsp
Dried Red Chilli 1, broken into pieces
Curry Leaf : a sprig
Hing : a generous pinch
Salt : to taste
Coconut (optional) : 1 tablespoon

Heat Oil, and add the mustard, dals, red chilli, Curry leaves and hing.

When the mustard splutters, add the chickpeas and saute for a minute.

Finish with salt and coconut.

Yummy Banana Toast

I know that it has been a loooooooong time since I blogged a recipe. Well, here's one for an easy yummy snack!

Bread Slices: 2, Buttered on one side. I prefer white.

Butter: for bread and for toasting. Lets say, 2 tablespoons.

Banana: 1 Sliced.

Honey: 1 - 2 teaspoons.

Cinnamon: a dash. [optional]

--Heat a skillet/pan - something that is thick.
--In the meantime, butter the bread slices and place the sliced banana pieces on a slice and pour the honey over it. Sprinkle the cinnamon powder.
--Place the other slice over the bread with banana.
--On the heated pan, add a knob of butter.
--Place the bread on the pan and hold it down with a flat spoon/spatula.
--Wait for a minute or until the side has browned.
--Turn over the bread and add more butter. Hold it down until the side has browned too.
--Cut the sandwich and serve.

The method is similar to cheese toast. You can substitute the banana with Cheese, onions and chilli for a really nice cheese toast.

Vanilla Butter Cookies

I like cookies. But I like them when they are freshly baked and not from packets. And I like them when they dont have any eggs in them. I usually make these cookies when I have the time, and they are almost always perfect. Here's my recipe:

Flour: 225 grams/ 1 & a 3/4 of a cup
Butter: 125 Grams/ 1 cup
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
Sugar; 100 Grams ( You can add more if you like it really sweet) / Under a cup. lets say about 3/4 of a cup
Milk: 2 tablespoons ( If needed)

Pre-Heat the oven to 180 C. No, I don't know what that is in Fahrenheit!  Google it.
In a deep bowl, sift the flour.
Cut the butter into small pieces and rub into the flour with your fingertips
It will become breadcrumb like. Or like Puttu Maavu - For those who know what it is.
Now, add the sugar and vanilla essence and mix well.
Ideally you should get a smooth dough like mix. If its crumbly, add the milk and mix.
Now Roll it out on a dusted surface and cut it with a cookie cutter.
Lay it on a dusted tray and bake for 10-15 minutes.
When done, pull it out, allow to cool and store.