Getting closer....

 Chocolate French Macarons with a Chocolate Peanut Butter Genache!!!

So our baby boy is due to make his appearance in 3 weeks from tomorrow. Wow getting closer now. Today I was really craving something sweet and could not decide what to make. I wanted to try making whoopie pies but did not have all that I needed at home. So then I decided on Macarons. I have not made them in a while and since we will be moving and need to clear out cupboards this was the perfect thing to make. I don't have a recipe for you because I was just throwing things together and just wanted to enjoy myself in the kitchen. I'm not sure when I will be able to or have the time to just relax and bake again. With delivery then taking care of 3 kids 4 and under and moving and getting settled I will be one busy mama. After the baby I will also be giving up sweets till the baby weight comes off so you will not see any sweets posted on here but most likely some healthier meals to help me along the way!!!

Our new addiction....

My friend Sara got me addicted to her Home Made Granola. I found a similar recipe that I really like and it's actually the prep that is different more than the recipe. What I really love about home made granola is how versatile it is you can put whatever you like in it, nuts raisins, any kid of dried fruit, sunflower seeds, flax seeds or switch it up every time. Also since Oats are very inexpensive this makes for a cheap snack or breakfast. We like to eat ours for breakfast but I've learned to have a little bag of this in my purse for a snack for myself or the kids who also love this stuff.

So this is how I usually make ours but feel free to make it your own!!!

Homemade Granola

Ingredients:
4 cups old-fashioned oats (not instant)
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions:

Position rack in middle of oven and preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix oats, nuts, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. In a saucepan combine brown sugar, honey and oil and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour the hot liquid over the oat mixture, stir and toss until thoroughly mixed.
Spread granola on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat and bake until golden brown. about 20-25 min stirring occasionally to ensure even baking. Transfer granola to a large bowl and let cool. If you prefer a more chunky granola like I do mix it right away when you take it out of the oven then let it cool COMPLETELY without touching it at all it will dry into one big sheet then you can just brake it up into chunks and add the raisins and dried cranberries and mix till combined.