Homemade Granola

I have tried making homemade granola in the past and it did not turn out well. It was hard for me to tell if it was the recipe or operator error. None the less I didn't try it again until now! This time I am beyond pleased! I found the recipe for Maple Granola in a Martha Stewart magazine awhile back and I saved it for just a time like this when I have tons of free time to make homemade things like granola. Well for review this granola is the perfect amount of sweet, salty and crunch and I will be making it again. Next time I will be shaving the last 10 min. off the cooking time and adding in the raisins 5 min. before the end instead of 10 min. My granola was a touch on the burnt side, Jordan said he liked it that way but I say I would like a little less of that taste :).

Here is the recipe that inspired me to get out the old granola recipe; Ricotta Parfaits. It is a Giada recipe I saw on the food network recently. They turned out good, Jordan really liked them and has requested them since. As for me I was not as excited about them I think it may have been the ricotta and jam together? I found a way to make the parfait that I enjoyed much more.

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 generous tbsp strawberry preserves (i used smuckers low sugar strawberry preserves)
1/3 cup granola
1 tbsp slivered almonds

Mix together the Greek yogurt and preserves till combined. Sprinkle on the granola and almonds. If you like you can divide up the mixtures to make parfait layers.

I think using the preserves as opposed to the jam gives it a better taste and mixes in well. The Giada recipe called for layering the jam but I wasn't a fan of getting a chunk of jam in my mouth. To each his own. :)

Hope you enjoy these recipes. Hopefully soon I will be posting some pictures of our new place. In the picture of the parfaits you will get a small view into our living room from the dinning room. Happy Thursday to all.