Farewell 2020 - Welcome 2021

Never before do I remember being thankful that one year has ended, and the next has arrived. I think it is fair to say that I am not the only one with this opinion. 2020 has proven for me, as for many, just what ‘really’ is important. And, I think it’s safe to say, it is not something that requires batteries, or can be found on social media.. I have discovered that I miss more deeply, love more fully and see more clearly. And, just like Forrest Gump said so eloquently, “That’s all I have to say about that.”

The new year came in with little fanfare, as my husband prepared my requested New Year’s Eve dinner of King Crab Legs. What a gastric overload of rich and savory goodness. A leg and 1/4 of crab with drawn butter & a perfectly small size baked potato, along with a few glasses of Navarro Vineyards, Anderson Valley, Mendocino, Brut Sparking Wine. I stayed up as long as I possibly could, watching a bit of TV, then reading. I began to really get sleepy around 11, but perked back up just before midnight, making a lively New Year’s toast with my best friend, partner, personal chef, and love of my life for the last 34 years.

On New Year’s day we ate heirloom Super Lucky 2021 Black Eyed Peas (from Rancho Gordo), along with Braised Cabbage and Braised Pork Steaks. Of course, who can eat black eyed peas without corn bread, so we had that too. Nope, I didn’t cook any of it. My husband is an amazing cook. I bake. And, when I’m not baking, I am in my studio conjuring up new jewelry designs.

Of course, I have the usual overload of dreams & schemes, ideas & plans, whirling around in my head this time of year. But, in the meantime, I am taking it slow. Tomorrow I will take down our 6’ pencil Christmas tree. It is a sweet champagne colored metal one I bought at Hobby Lobby years ago. This year I hung a few dainty ornaments of white doves & red glitter sprinkled pine cones, strings of different colored wool felt pom pom balls, a group of paper circus themed Christmas ornaments and a select precious blown glass ornaments from events such as The Nutcracker, Cirque Du Soleil, and The Sweet Potato Queens.

Oh yes, I did manage to make a batch of Homemade Granola. I love this granola, but I haven’t made any other than this one, so of course, I’ll argue with you that it is the best. I was given the recipe from an ex-boss. That was over 20 years ago. Here it is. I hope you enjoy it. And….Happy New Year! I’m glad you’re here.

Granola

3/4 lb. of Old Fashioned Oats

2-1/4 c. wheat germ

1 c. almonds, raw

1 c. cashews, raw

1 c. sunflower seeds kernels, raw

1 c. pumpkin seeds, raw

1 c. coconut, unsweetened thick shred

3/4 c. raisins

1/8 t. salt

1/2 c. powered milk

3/4 c. water

2/3 c. oil

1 t. vanilla

1-1/4 c. of molasses & honey (this combination/percentage will be up to you)

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In large bowl, combine oats, wheat germ, nuts, seeds, coconut, raisins, salt and powdered milk. Mix thoroughly.

In a small pot, combine the liquid ingredients-water, oil, vanilla, and honey/molasses. Heat on low, gently stirring, just till thoroughly heated. Do not boil.

I let the liquid cool maybe 5 minutes, then pour over the top of the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly with a large stiff spoon.

Gently spread 1/2 of the mixture onto the foil covered baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven, turning mixture (with spatula) and bake 13-15 minutes more. I actually turn it several times. It does get a bit dark, but don’t let it burn.

Cool & store in a covered container. (I keep mine in a gallon storage bag, in the fridge).

Enjoy!