My Love Affair with Books

I have loved to read all of my life. As a kid I devoured just about anything I could get my hands on. Laura Ingalls Wilder was one of my favorites, but I really wasn't picky. My mom was great about nurturing this passion. If I asked questions she would take me to the library and let me find the answers myself. We knew exactly what day of the month the new Goosebumps book would be release and she made sure I was always one of the first to get it. I appreciate that about her. I learned to love books and reading so much that I decided I wanted to be an English teacher.

In college I was forced to read so much that I completely halted reading for pleasure. Aside from recipes and blogs, the extent of my reading for pleasure since 2002 has pretty much been non-existent. Until recently that is. I was embarrassed at the fact that I would spend roughly five hours a day on Facebook - checking it sporadically throughout the day and then in one large chunk of time after I'd put Abby down for the evening. I neglected my household chores, my personal growth, and my physical health, all for what? I'd sit here in front of the computer toggling back and forth between several forums that I follow. Refresh. Refresh. Refresh. Hoping to see that little red bubble that means "I'm important!" or "Someone loves me!" In truth, it was sad and pathetic. I resolved to find something better to do with my time. I found Pinterest to be equally distracting and unproductive. I started reading more cooking and nutrition blogs, more homeschooling and homesteading blogs. Reading, yes, but I was still sitting in front of the computer.

There is just something about picking up a book that is magic to me. I have always loved books, bookstores, and libraries. Then I ran across this --

"Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries."

— Anne Herbert

How long had it been since I'd even visited the library? Our town is blessed with a beautiful and modern facility that has big cozy chairs and floor to ceiling windows that frame a gorgeous park. Just being in the building makes me feel smarter. With a 17 month old my window of quiet and calm behavior lasts all of two minutes, so thankfully this library has a website! I go online, place a hold or transfer on a book from another local library, wait for a confirmation email that my book is there, drive to the library, and I'm in an out before anyone knows we're there! I realize there are probably lots of libraries that offer this nowadays, but I'm still amazed every time I utilize this feature.

I have been reading a lot of what my mother in-law calls "self-help" books. I don't really like to refer to them as that. I guess it's got the same connotation as going to see a "mental health specialist." I'd much rather go talk to a counselor. I can't even remember all of what I have read in the last few months - Crazy Love by Francis Chan, Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters, several books about homesteading, raising livestock, gardening, and various home school philosophies. I was reading so much my brain was literally starting to hurt.

I was desperately in need of something light, fun, and easy. My library web account must have sensed that because it recommended The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels, a true love story by Ree Drummond. I'd never heard of her, but I was game for an old, romantic western love story.

I have stayed up well past my bedtime for the past two nights devouring this delicious book! I almost cried today when I turned the last page and it was over. Luckily for me, she is a blogger. Luckily for her, I am a new fan! Her love story parallels mine with my Prince Charming in so many ways that I laughed and cried along with her and she fell head over heels in love with her Marlboro Man. She's like a modern day Laura Ingalls Wilder, and to be honest, I think I like Ree a little better. Shhh, don't tell Laura though!

Granola

For my one and only devoted follower....

This recipe is pretty basic and is easily adapted to your preferences. It was my go-to midnight snack while pregnant and truth be told, it still is! I like it best straight out of the oven when it is still warm with a little milk poured over it, but it's pretty delicious with homemade yogurt and fruit too! Or by the handful. Dang it, it's just good, okay? You're going to have to make it yourself to see!

Granola
6 cups rolled oats (or any combination of rolled grains)
2 cups flour (soft white whole wheat is preferred)
1 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
1 cup raw wheat germ
2 cups nuts
1 cup oil - olive oil, melted coconut oil, or butter
1 cup honey
3/4 cup olive oil
1 Tbsp vanilla
2 tsp sea salt
1 Tbsp cinnamon
2 cups dried fruit
Optional: 2 Tbsp acid medium (whey, lemon juice, yogurt, kefir, apple cider vinegar, or cultured buttermilk)

Soaked version: Combine acid, water, oil, honey, flour, oats, and wheat germ. Cover and allow to sit at room temperature for at least seven hours, preferably 12-24 hours. Add all remaining ingredients except dried fruit. Spread mixture on two cookie sheets and bake for one hour at 250 degrees, stirring every 15 minutes.

Unsoaked Version: Combine oats, flour, coconut, flax seed meal, and nuts in a large mixing bowl. In another bowl, combine water, oil, honey, vanilla, salt and cinnamon. Spread mixture on two cookie sheets and bake for one hour at 250 degrees, stirring every 15 minutes.

Don't be tempted to bake your granola longer. It will crisp up as it cools, so it may seem a little soft when you first take it out of the oven. Add your dried fruit and enjoy!

Some of my favorite fruit-nut combinations:
Blueberry-Pecan with a little lemon zest.
Blueberry-Walnut.
Cranberry-Almond. Add 1 tsp almond extract and a little orange zest! Yumm!
Apple-Raisin-Walnut, a classic. Also good with apple juice or cider in place of the water.
Peach-Almond.
Cherry-Almond.

What's your favorite way to eat/flavor your granola?