Olive Oil and Maple Granola

Thank you to Log Cabin for sponsoring my post about updated traditions in my household. To learn more about Log Cabin Syrups (which are all free of High Fructose Corn Syrup), breakfast for dinner, and other new ways to update traditions in your home, click here. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

Most of the traditions in our house are carried over from my childhood. The birthday parade, sitting on the stairs for a Christmas morning photo, Mimi's yummy eggy breakfast casserole's, and home-made cookies from our kitchen. We would beg my mom for cookies and treats at the store and her answer was always the same. "You want cookies? Then bake them." she would say. So we did. Which probably explains why I never buy cookies at the store. They just don't taste as good.

Then one day I tasted home-made granola. I've never been a big fan of store-bought granola. It's usually too sweet. But this granola was different. It was sweet and salty and really delicious. Every time I make a batch it doesn't last very long. Elli and Don savor every bite.

And now they have their own breakfast tradition. They both get a big bowl of yogurt. Don likes Greek yogurt. Elli doesn't care. She'll eat any kind. They put a big scoop of yogurt in a bowl, top it with home-made granola and cover it with fresh berries - strawberries and raspberries for Elli, and blueberries for Don.

Then they sit across from each other at the table and talk about their plans for the day.

"So, daddy, what are you doing today?" She'll ask, all bright and perky.

"Working." he'll say, still half asleep.

"Are you meeting a client? Will you see Mrs Beech today? What are you working on?" And she just keeps going until you answer.

At this point he knows he better come forward with some information because she will not give up. So he does. And they have a nice little five minute chat. I eavesdrop from the kitchen and can't help but smile at how cute they both are.

Then, before you know it, breakfast is over and the sweet quiet moment is just a memory. 

Olive Oil & Maple Granola
adapted from Melissa Clark

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 small bag of mixed dried berries (cherries, blueberries, cranberries, )
1 cup raw pistachios, hulled
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup coconut flakes

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
1. In a large bowl, combine oats, pistachios, walnuts, coconut flakes, maple syrup, olive oil, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon and cardamom.
2. Spread mixture on a rimmed baking sheet in an even layer and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until golden brown and well toasted. (I lined my baking sheet with parchment paper for easier clean up.)
3. Transfer granola to a large bowl and add dried fruit, tossing to combine.

What are some of your favorite traditions?