My family has often accused us of being "granola." Matthew and I prefer the term "free lance granola-ers"...It implies more natural freedom in choosing our causes instead of going with the crowd.
Since we moved to Amerikan Samoa I have found that those granola, bra-less, more hair, less makeup days come more frequent, much to Matthews displeasure. But he doesn't seem to mind as long as when I say "I'm going granola" I make some granola too.
This is My dad's recipe for granola. One of 3 things that he was allowed in the kitchen to make, but when he made something he made it very well! See for yourself.
Dad's Granola
8 c oats
6 c wheat anything (flakes, pressed...whatever)
2 c wheat germ
3 c shredded coconut
2 tsp salt
1 1/2 c brown sugar
10 dates
1 c oil
1 c water
4 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 tsp almond
1 tsp nutmeg
nuts & dried fruit optional
In a food processor blend the oil, water, dates, brown sugar, salt, vanilla, almond extract and nutmeg. In a large bowl mix all the dry ingredients. Once thoroughly mixed, coat with the wet mixture. Place on a cookie sheet and bake at 300 till golden brown, turning regularly.
The first time I had Hawaiian meatballs was at a Samoan luau made by a Samoan auntie.....Ironic. I don't know if that makes them Samoan but whether Hawaiian or Samoan, they were really good. I was however, on a sugar high for days after. Have you ever gotten a sugar high from meatballs? So I asked my auntie what was in them and she told me her secret ingredient. I was shocked because normally I hate this ingredient in real life but in this it's not too bad. I would go a little easier on it then my auntie did or you'll be feelin the buzz for days.
Hawaiian Meatballs
1 c cooked lentils
1/4 c oats
1/4 c flour
1 c brown rice
1/4 c vital wheat gluten
2 tb soy sauce
2 tb EVOO
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 dash nutmeg
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tb bbq sauce
Sauce
1 can crushed pineapple
1/2 c ketchup
1/3 c grape jelly (yep, that's the secret)
If you can't find a safe jelly you can use brown sugar
In your food processor blend the brown rice and lentils till smooth. In a bowl combine everything else, adding the vital wheat gluten at the last. Roll into balls and place in a greased 9 x 13 pan. place on the middle rack and bake on 350 for 15 minutes, turn and bake another 15 minutes.On the other rack under the meatballs place another pan with water. This well help to steam the meatballs so they don't go rubbery. Let stand for at least 5 minutes out of the oven to firm up.
Combine all the ingredients for the sauce and let simmer for about 20 minutes. Serve over meatballs and rice.
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