Taste Buds and Showers

Lately I've been experimenting with new recipes and on the spot, last minute creativity! A problem solver? Maybe, more so I just enjoy pushing the envelope . My first creation; home made granola. Since two years old I've had a peanut allergy. Oh, not only peanuts but almonds, cashews, pecans... Damn tree nuts! Do you know how hard it is to find granola without?! Now I realize you can, but the amount you spend for what you get drives me bonkers! Also, making my own food is rewarding while I know exactly what's in it making it how I want. 

My mission to Whole Foods was a success. Oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and soybeans. About 2 handfuls of each and $3 later, you can't beat it. I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but after adding some wheat germ and dried fruit it's a plentiful amount. 

To start, I roasted the raw soybeans.

I first soaked them overnight (8-10 hours) in a large bowl, big enough so it can hold the beans when expanded. One cup raw soybeans expands to about two cups. 

After they have soaked, drain and rinse the soybeans. Dry them, whether with a fan or towel. Spread them on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 for about 15 and then flip them. Repeat this every 10 minutes for the next 20-25 minutes. Ovens vary so keep an eye on your beans! You want them golden brown.. Undercooking leaves them chewy. Once out of the oven I sprinkled some Cajun seasoning and olive oil while still hot. Let cool completely . 

Here's the ingredients I used for my home made granola: 

Rolled oats 

Sunflower seeds

Pumpkin seeds 

Roasted soybeans 

Wheat germ 

Cinnamon

Vanilla extract

Salt

Honey

Apple juice 

Brown sugar

Olive oil

Heat oil, honey, juice, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla to a light boil. Pour this over the dried oats and seeds. I did not include the soybeans in this preparation. I added these in at the end. Spread on baking sheet and bake at 325 for approximately 35-40 minutes. After the first 20 minutes stir the granola. Cool completely before adding any dried fruits of preferred. This is where I added my roasted soybeans! 

The one thing I will say is do not coat or spray your pan.. I did and I feel it made the granola cook faster. Although I kind of enjoy the slightly darker bake taste. 

I looked to recipes on allrecipes.com for reference of measurements. I was working with a small amount (trial granola ) so I had to convert down. Really the amount of oats and seeds is up to you, you just want enough liquid mixture to cover and not saturate. 

Store in an air tight container. I eat it like cereal with soy milk, also add it to my fruit smoothies! Top it on yogurt or snack on it. Mmm mmmm mmm..

Recently I also experimented with another recipe, this one not for the taste buds... Although could be! A brown sugar body scrub from your kitchen cabinet. 

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup olive oil

1/8 cup honey

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/8 tsp cinnamon 

This does make a good amount of scrub so portion accordingly. 

Simple as that! Combine all ingredients and stir well. Use on body, hands, feet, face.. And enjoy the delicious aroma while exfoliating! Wait until you feel your skin after...

This would also make a great gifts for birthdays or holidays. 

Find more crafts on the way!!