Mesh tote bag

All I wanted was a simple sewing machine so that I could stop hemming pants by hand for me and my short family.  What I ended up with was a new (although simple) sewing machine, and 3 years of free monthly sewing classes!  My first class project was this mesh tote bag - perfect for a trip to the farmers market.  Next month's class is making decorative pillow cuffs, which I'm not too interested in, but maybe I'll go and make another mesh bag.  I think J would like one to carry his sand toys in, especially if it was red and had dump trucks on it!

Never buying granola again

Now that I know how easy it is to make at home!!  I've always had a hard time finding the perfect granola in the stores anyway.  I like mine chunky and crunchy, with lots of nuts, but no fruit.  Dried fruit is too hard and chewy, and most store bought granola is already too sweet, even without the fruit.  Now I can make my own granola with nothing but nuts, and as much (or little) sweetness as I want. Thanks, KY, for the inspiration!

First Batch (modified KY's recipe):
3 Tbs butter
1/3 c almonds
1/3 c pecans
1/3 c hazelnuts
1/4 c coconut
scant 1/2 c agave
1 tsp cinnamon
~1/2 c water
2.5 c rolled oats

Simmer all but last 2 ingredients in butter. Add water and oats, stir to coat evenly. Spread on baking sheet. Bake at 250 degrees F for 3.5 hours.  Don't stir after it starts to clump.

This came out surprisingly good!  Crunchy and chunky, and not at all sweet.  The nuts were perfectly toasted.  It's darker than I expected.  Although the cinnamon smelled quite strong while baking, it doesn't taste strong in the final product. Next time: Increase agave to full 1/2 cup. Try adding 1/4 c cocoa powder. Don't forget the flaxmeal!  Try adding in other grains. Maybe chop the nuts.

before baking

after baking

Smoothie Surprise

Half eaten banana, leftover strawberry yogurt, apple from backyard, silken tofu, flax meal, handful of frozen grapes, homemade soymilk, ice. Weird mix of leftovers, but actually not bad.

Pear galette