It feels like a strange duty we have been called to perform.  The act of helping has always been to be near, to connect, to embrace, and to give.  I thought of this yesterday as I baked a large batch of granola.  I craved the satisfaction that comes with the smile you receive when holding out a jar of warm, sweet, crunchy topping to an unsuspecting friend.  I wanted to make someones day a bit easier.  But alas, this is not the time for gifts, for there is so much we don’t know and so much I am not willing to risk.

So my gift is to show you how.  It will be my fight in the coming weeks.  Doing something that will keep you home that much longer, that much more often, to keep yourself and your loved ones safe another day from this seemingly invisible intruder.

I call this granola “what do you got??!! Granola”.  I buy oats in bulk, and you can order them online if do not have any.  Otherwise its a nice way to empty out your pantry of little bags of nuts, seeds, and coconut.  Its a good opportunity to take stock of what you have as well.  To make a mental list of what lasts and what is being tossed to the chickens.

WHAT DO YOU GOT? GRANOLA

Today I had pecans, almonds, coconut, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.  I would estimate I had a quarter cup of each mixed with 8 cups of oats.  I sprinkled in 3-4 tablespoons of whole wheat flour to make those big clumps everyone loves in granola but this can easily be omitted to make a gluten free version.  A generous scoop of salt, a sprinkle of cinnamon, then stir until fully combined.

In a separate, smaller bowl mix about 1/3-1/2 cup of vegetable, canola, melted coconut oil, or even melted butter (whatever you have!  Though olive oil will give you a strong flavor… you may or may not like it but you get to choose!) with about the same amount of maple syrup.  If you are not deep in the hills of syrup country, and don’t have a fresh supply handy, brown sugar or honey (heated up a bit to make it easier to mix in) will work beautifully.

Heat your oven to 350F.  Mix the two bowls together.  They should be wet but not sopping.  If it is too wet add a bit more oats, if its too dry add some more wet!  I know these instructions are vague but I promise granola is not really something you can mess up.

Press the granola onto two parchment lined baking sheets. You can save the parchment when the project is over.  Which will save you another trip to the store, and help out a few trees too:). I set the timer for 7 minutes and check it and rotate it.  I did this 3 times and it was just getting golden on the edges which is when it is done.  It is easy to over bake granola as it crisps up when it cools down so it can trick you.  Don’t let it!  When it is done, let it cool on the pans, then mix in any dried fruit.  I fill up mason jars, but any container will work.  I keep one quart on the counter to add to yogurt and eat plain and store the other two in the freezer.  It is a good trick that keeps things extra crispy as the moisture from your dried fruit will soften your oats over time.

And in other news… Go outside if you can.  Breathe deep.  Face time your friends.  Bake.