Handmade Journal Kits!

Instead of a recipe today, I wanted to share something special I’ve been working on. Recently I’ve been learning various bookbinding methods and making handmade journals. I love making the journals from scratch because the finished product is so special.  I love being able to customize everything about the journal, from the papers to the size.  And just like cooking and baking, I get to take a variety of ingredients or materials and turn them into a beautiful finished product.

If you’re reading this, you know how much I like to share the things I love, so I wanted to create a journal-making kit so you can make one too! All the materials and tools are included, and everything is pre-cut. The kit includes a detailed instruction manual with illustrations to guide you through the steps. You even get to choose your favorite paper design for the cover of the journal! Check out the kits at www.paperbymaria.com. They make great gifts for the Holidays!

Homemade Granola

Granola is a great snack for munching on, and wonderful as a topping on yogurt and oatmeal. But how often can you actually taste the flavors of your granola? Usually the store-bought varieties are so loaded With sweeteners and artificial flavorings that you can’t taste much of anything. Well, you’ll be happy to know its easy to make yourself! It’s a perfect way to use up your last bits of nuts, dries fruits and seeds, too! And once you’ve tried it homemade, you probably won’t go back!

Homemade Granola
(Adapted from Jaime Oliver’s recipe)

2 cups whole rolled oats
1/2 c. almonds, chopped
1/2 c. hazelnuts, chopped
2 heaping Tbsps. each pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds
1/2 c. shredded coconut
1 tsp. cinnamon
1-2 generous pinches of sea salt
2-3 Tbsps. Honey
2 Tbsps. olive oil
1 c. Mixed dried fruit cut in small chunks ( I used figs, cranberries, and mango)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the oats, nuts, seeds, coconut, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Add the honey and olive oil, and stir. Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with foil or wAndover and bake for approximately 25 minutes. Open the oven door every 8-10 minutes and push the granola around with a wooden spoon to encourage it to brown evenly. Be sure to watch it toward the end so it doesn’t burn. When the granola is done, toss with dried fruit and cool. Feel free to sub the bits and fruits with your favorites!

Super Muffins

By now most people know that a lot of muffins you buy are just cupcakes in disguise. That’s why I prefer to make my own healthy muffins, and save the cake for dessert!

Here’s a recipe for a super healthy muffin. They have no added sugar or oil. These make a perfect breakfast paired with fruit, peanut butter, or yogurt!

Super Muffins

3/4 cup oat flour
1/4 cup almond meal
1 1/4 cup almond milk
1/2 ripe banana
3 or 4 dried figs
1/4 cup dries cranberries
1Tbsp vanilla
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
Pinch salt
Orange zest
Handful chopped nuts or pumpkin seeds

Mix dry ingredients. Blend figs and banana with almond milk until smooth. Combine with dry ingredients and stir in vanilla, orange zest, nuts, and cranberries. Place in muffin cups and top with nuts and oats tossed with a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg. If you need a little extra sweetness, add some honey!

Pad Thai

Do you like pad Thai? Do you want a simple and easy recipe that will bring it to your table in less than 10 minutes? Here you go! (I’m not kidding about the 10 minutes…try it!!)

Pad Thai
2 eggs
Scallions
Bean curd (or tofu if you can’t find it)
Rice noodles pre-soaked in water
Maesri pad Thai sauce
Bean sprouts
Crushed peanuts

Sautée eggs in your wok with some oil and stir until broken. Add scallions. Throw in noodles and stir in sauce to your taste. Add bean curd and bean sprouts and toss. You don’t want to overcook or it will become soggy. Plate and top with crushed peanuts. Done!