3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

Food

Day 176/365: Easy Homemade Granola Bars

by

This easy homemade granola bar recipe is courtesy of Red Feather Guides in North Park Colorado.

A few years ago my husband (then fiancee) had a wonderful half day horseback ride into the mountains and the guide brought these delicious healthy homemade granola bars. I Can’t say enough about the company and the people. Not only was it a fantastic horseback ride in the Rocky Mountains, but we brought back this amazing recipe which I love to fix for school snacks, hiking trips, and we even took them skiing.

Healthy granola bar ingredients

The recipe is at the bottom, but needless to say the “goodies” inside the granola bars can vary, instead of raisins I used dried blueberries (I have 6 lbs a friend gave me). Dried cherries substituted for cranberries too. I added dates too. Can I ever leave a recipe alone? Never!

Healthy Homemade Granola Bars are easy to makle
Homemade Granola Bars- before baking

The first batch was so popular I ended up making two batches. So I’ll be taking these to work this week and have snacks for the kids during their summer school vacation.

Homemade granola bars - recipe easy to make with common household ingredients. Delicious and easy

These weren’t nearly as good as eating them at 12,000  feet. But then again is anything? Here’s a picture from that trip and another shout-out to Red Feather Guides. If you ever are in northern Colorado and want to go on a horseback ride into the mountains they are the ones to call.

Horseback Riding in the Rockies
Horseback Riding in the Rockies

Here is the snack spread the guide shared with us at the summit. We sat on this ledge which overlooked Lake Agnes, it’s behind us in the valley, sorry you can’t see it, and ate our lunch.

Snack at the top of the Rockies
Snack at the top of the Rockies

Ok, enough of the teasing here is the easy homemade granola bar recipe.

Lurch Germany Flexiform Cereal Bar / Granola Bar Mold 11.8 x 6.9 in 6 cavity - brownLurch Germany Flexiform Cereal Bar / Granola Bar Mold 11.8 x 6.9 in 6 cavity – brownKirkland Signature Whole Dried Blueberries: 2 Bags of 20 Oz (1 Bag is 1LB 4 OZ which is 20 Ounces)Kirkland Signature Whole Dried Blueberries: 2 Bags of 20 Oz (1 Bag is 1LB 4 OZ which is 20 Ounces)Food to Live Certified Organic Dried Cranberries (Non-GMO, Kosher, Unsulfured, Bulk) (8 Ounces)Food to Live Certified Organic Dried Cranberries (Non-GMO, Kosher, Unsulfured, Bulk) (8 Ounces)365 Everyday Value Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats, 18 oz365 Everyday Value Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats, 18 oz

Red Feather Homemade Granola Bar Recipe

  • 1/2 Cup Butter
  • 1 1/4 cup sugar (brown packed, or white)
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/3 cup Molasses
  • 1 3/4 cup Flour
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 2 cups Old Fashioned Oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup nuts
  • 1/2 cup Raisins
  • 1/2 cup dried Cranberries
  • 1 cup Chocolate Chips

Directions

  1. Combine flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda together in a bowl
  2. Combine butter, molasses, sugar and eggs together in 2nd bowl
  3. Combine dry ingredients into wet ingredients
  4. Combine oatmeal, raisins, chocolate chips, nuts together then add to mixture
  5. Spoon into a 19′ x 13′ pan  (parchment paper and spray with Pam-don’t forget this, seriously they will stick, you will regret it)
  6. Cook for 20 minutes at 350, check for doneness at this point and length time 5 minutes until the consistency desired.
  7. When cool turn upside down with parchment paper, seems to be easier to cut up into bars this way.

I tend to be generous with the “goodies” and find myself adding an extra cup or so of nuts, fruit or chips, still turns out fantastic! Enjoy

More Easy Home Made Granola Recipe Ideas

Granola Recipes: The Ultimate GuideGranola Recipes: The Ultimate GuideHomemade Granola Bar RecipesHomemade Granola Bar RecipesGranola! The Ultimate Recipe GuideGranola! The Ultimate Recipe GuideGranola Cookbook: Delicious Granola & Oat RecipesGranola Cookbook: Delicious Granola & Oat Recipes

Stay Tuned for more Easy Homemade Granola recipe ideas.

I just bought a new Pampered Chef bar snack mold and I’m excited to try it out. 

 

Day 172/365: Grilled Pork Chops

by

Grilled Pork Chops

Went to the grocery store and found these thick, center cut pork chops on sale for $1.99/lb, oh my are they delicious! Why in the world would you buy hamburger or ground beef for $3.49 a lb when you can grill a whole cut a meat instead. After liberally seasoning it with Patty’s Prime Seasoning and some pepper I threw it on a sizzling grill, seared it really nice then turned the heat down to let it cook.

Better than steak!

Day 158/365: Graduation Cake

by

High school students graduate in Mid-May in Nebraska and graduation cakes start flying off the shelves. It’s different than a wedding, where the bride and groom will have a cake testing session before picking their baker. Graduation cakes are considered manadatory but at the parties in our area are more of a table decoration as the “real food” is what guest really anticipate.

Most people go to Sams or their local grocery bakery and get a cake.  My son and I had some amazing cake at a wedding we attended about a month ago. The baker was in attendance so I approached her and arranged for her to make his graduation cake.

Graduation Cake

I like supporting local businesses, and a fresh baked cake from Lynnn would be so much fresher and tastier than the cakes from Sam’s that receive frozen sheets by the gross and use prepackaged frosting. It didn’t really cost any more either. Thirty dollars for a half sheet.

Did I tell you my son graduated on his 18th birthday? That in itself was pretty special. He wanted a special birthday cake along with it and picked chocolate. Lynns double chocolate cake was to die for and many people asked who made the cakes. Total on both cakes $45.00, including delivery. Thanks Lynn

Birthday and Graduation Cakes
Birthday and Graduation Cakes

We didn’t have much cake left, all that remained was the picture corner and a small wedge of chocolate.

Most seniors from Elmwood-Murdock High School have their parties on the Saturday of graduation. The parties are pretty much the same, open house style with friends and family and lots of food. On graduation Saturday you can easily go to 9-10 parties, that’s if you’re fast. Halfway through the day you don’t want to look at another piece of cake.

I honestly feel bad for those families who buy full sheet cakes only to have a couple of pieces eaten.

Unique cake toppers and decorations are easily found in various locations, and most bakeries are open to their customers bringing in custom decorations to personalize your seniors special day.

Decorations for Graduation Cakes

MALE GRADUATION BOBBLEHEAD/CAKE TOPPER [Kitchen]Pink Graduation Cake Decorating KitGraduation Silhouette Grad Cap and Gown Edible Designer Prints Cake BorderYou Did It Grad Edible Cake Decoration

Other Graduation Party Ideas

Graduation Cakes – Decoration Ideas | Little Birthday Cakes

As the name suggests, graduation cakes are designed to celebrate the completion of one’s graduation degree. They can also be created for commemorating the.
Best Graduation Party Menu and Decoration Musts

graduation cake As the school year begins to wind down, the graduation party planning begins to wind up. From high school and college to kindergarten, the coming months will bring graduations galore, and such significant occasions call for memorable …
Throw your graduate a great party

Well, it is getting close to the time of year where graduation invitations arrive in our mailbox, and for some of you, your special ones are graduating this year. What a fun and exciting time. Today, I thought I would share some of my graduation party …
Unique Graduation Party Ideas

Flick photo by m00byIf you have a child that’s graduating, you’ll probably spend the majority of graduation day crying tears of joy. But afterward, it’s time to party and celebrate your teen’s milestone. So wipe off that smudged mascara, and check out …
Throw a “Throwback” Graduation Party

Relive the disco years of the 70’s or the totally awesome 80’s by throwing a retro graduation party. Parents can celebrate their child’s graduation by paying homage to their own year of graduation. You can help your child see just how similar and …
Best Graduation Party Menu and Decoration Musts

graduation cake As the school year begins to wind down, the graduation party planning begins to wind up. From high school and college to kindergarten, the coming months will bring graduations galore, and such significant occasions call for memorable …

 

 

Quick and Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe

by

It’s Easy to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Don’t these chocolate covered strawberries look delicious? I made them at home. Seriously.

Not even a word to describe how good they actually taste. Just like at Christmas, I dip everything in almond bark chocolate. I have used Ghirardelli’s melting chocolate when I’m doing a small personal batch for gourmet chocolate covered strawberries. But for large events, chocolate almond bark works just fine.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Day 153/365 Project: Chocolate Covered Strawberries

It’s easy to make chocolate covered strawberries from scratch. All you need is big delicious looking strawberries, chocolate, and a fork. Ok, a double boiler pot does come in handy.

I get the white almond bark drizzle on the strawberries by dipping a fork in the white chocolate and drizzling it over the strawberries.

It’s not hard to make chocolate strawberries, all you need is a double boiler and some dipping chocolate. But, some people think it’s a little intimidating. Around Valentines Day you will see and hear ads from various online stores where you can buy chocolate dipped strawberries and have them delivered.

Why Use a Double Boiler when Melting Chocolate?

Chocolate is a fickle ingredient. If you it too hot chocolate will burn or “seize up” and become clumpy. (Whatever you do, do NOT add water to chocolate.) With a double boiler pot, you add an inch or two of water to the bottom pot and set on medium heat.

You can turn the stovetop on a boil, to begin with, but then reduce the heat to low to gradually melt your chocolate. If you don’t have an “official double boiler pot you can use a metal bowl and sit in on a saucepan. Or a smaller pot inside a larger pot, as long as the bottom doesn’t touch the water.

ExcelSteel 579 3 Piece Boiler, 2.5 Quart, Stainless SteelStainless steel double boilers pots. Cookware for melting chocolate, fondue and low heat cooking.ExcelSteel 579 3 Piece Boiler, 2.5 Quart, Stainless SteelAxeSickle 18/8 Stainless Steel Universal Melting Pot,Universal Double Boiler Insert,Double Spouts, Heat-resistant Handle, Flat Bottom, Premium Baking Tools, Melting Pot for Chocolate Butter Carame.AxeSickle 18/8 Stainless Steel Universal Melting Pot, Universal Double Boiler Insert, Double Spouts, Heat-resistant Handle, Flat Bottom, Premium Baking Tools, AxeSickle 18/8 Stainless Steel Universal Melting Pot,Universal Double Boiler Insert,Double Spouts, Heat-resistant Handle, Flat Bottom, Premium Baking Tools, Melting Pot for Chocolate Butter Carame.

Melting Chocolate Without a Double Boiler

This can be done. But take caution and be careful. I normally melt two squares of white almond bark for 20 seconds at a time and check it until it’s soft. Don’t just look at to see if it’s melted. The blocks of almond bark retain their shape, even when melted.

Ghirardelli melting chocolate wafers are actually designed to be melted in the microwave. Instructions are on the package and it’s VERY wise to follow them.

Ghirardelli Chocolate Dark Candy Malting Wafers, 30 OunceGhirardelli Chocolate Dark Candy Malting Wafers, 30 OunceGhirardelli Chocolate Dark Candy Malting Wafers, 30 OunceGhirardelli Candy Making & Dipping Dark Melting Wafers, 12 ozGhirardelli Candy Making & Dipping Dark Melting Wafers, 12 ozGhirardelli Candy Making & Dipping Dark Melting Wafers, 12 ozGhirardelli Melting Wafers Bundle, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate, Set of 3-10oz eachGhirardelli Melting Wafers Bundle, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate, Set of 3-10oz eachGhirardelli Melting Wafers Bundle, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate, Set of 3-10oz each

Strawberries are good any time of the year, but I make them on Valentine’s day and also for high school graduation parties. They are everyone’s favorite and I’ve created an expectation amongst my friends. My kids LOVE when I make chocolate covered strawberries.

Homemade Chocolate-Covered Strawberries 4 WaysHomemade Chocolate-Covered Strawberries 4 WaysHomemade Chocolate-Covered Strawberries 4 Ways

For my son’s graduation, I made about 60 chocolate covered strawberries and it wasn’t nearly enough. I could have made three times that many considering how popular they were. Maybe next time.

Buy Chocolate Covered Strawberries Online

If you don’t think you can handle dipping your own strawberries then you can always buy them online. Golden State Fruit sells them on Amazon and the reviews are fantastic.

I’ve read reviews for Sherri’s Berries and the Golden State Fruit Company Although they both pack and ship them approximately the same Golden State Fruit Company comes out ahead.

Very little is more romantic and makes an impression than tasty chocolate covered strawberries. What woman doesn’t like chocolate?

Golden State Fruit 6 Love Berries Chocolate Covered StrawberriesGolden State Fruit 6 Love Berries Chocolate Covered StrawberriesGolden State Fruit 6 Love Berries Chocolate Covered StrawberriesBelgian Chocolate Covered Strawberries - 12pc Classic - Milk, Dark & White Chocolate Gift BoxBelgian Chocolate Covered Strawberries – 12pc Classic – Milk, Dark & White Chocolate Gift BoxBelgian Chocolate Covered Strawberries - 12pc Classic - Milk, Dark & White Chocolate Gift BoxCaramel Sea Salt - 12pc Belgian Milk Chocolate Covered StrawberriesCaramel Sea Salt – 12pc Belgian Milk Chocolate Covered StrawberriesCaramel Sea Salt - 12pc Belgian Milk Chocolate Covered StrawberriesGolden State Fruit Chocolate Covered Strawberries, 6 Dark, Milk & White DelightGolden State Fruit Chocolate Covered Strawberries, 6 Dark, Milk & White DelightGolden State Fruit Chocolate Covered Strawberries, 6 Dark, Milk & White Delight

Day 145/365: Peep Photoshoot

by

Here is my yearly Peep Show Photoshoot, every year around Easter I play with these marshmallow confections designed to rot your teeth, spoil supper, and give you a belly ache. I’m addicted to the concept of fluorescent spring colors all soft and gooey sprinkled with sugar.

Peep Photoshoot (Olympus E-10)

Yellow and sugary, soft and gooey, enough sweetness to send you into a diabetic coma. But, they are so good. I have to eat just one a year around Easter time, just like Cadbury Eggs, Peeps are a ritualistic tradition.

Peeps: Recipes and Crafts to Make with Your Favorite Marshmallow TreatPeeps: Recipes and Crafts to Make with Your Favorite Marshmallow TreatPeeps: Recipes and Crafts to Make with Your Favorite Marshmallow TreatEaster Marshmallow Chicks Peeps Variety Pack 3 Ct. - 30 Chickens TotalEaster Marshmallow Chicks Peeps Variety Pack 3 Ct. – 30 Chickens TotalEaster Marshmallow Chicks Peeps Variety Pack 3 Ct. - 30 Chickens TotalEaster Marshmallow Chicks Peeps Variety Pack 4ct.Easter Marshmallow Chicks Peeps Variety Pack 4ct.Easter Marshmallow Chicks Peeps Variety Pack 4ct.

After I broke these little chicks free from their cellophane wrapper I posed them on my springtime tablecloths for a photo shoot. My soon to be 18-year-old son did not find the humor in this, he rolled his eyes (I get that a lot from my kids) and anxiously awaited when I would be finished playing, so he could eat them. Which he did, all three boxes.

He was quick to point out that the sugar-free Peeps tasted terrible. I agree, if you’re going to eat something as nutritionally void as a Peep then just go for the sugar.

Photography Notes: taken on my Olympus camera, I’m finding it hard to know where to set the exposure, the viewfinder isn’t intuitive and it’s a little like a film camera, I don’t know what it’s going to look like until I get it into the computer.