Thursday, August 25, 2011

Sweet things

We have been having a good week hosting Molly's sister Kelly. She is walking across the United States and has stopped here to visit and gear up for the trek across the Rockies. We picked her up from Boulder on Tuesday.

Wednesday, seeking adventure and an escape from the heat we headed to Hammond's Candy Factory in Denver. It was only a 15 minute drive from here and the free tour included and nice size free sample. Addy has been asking how lollipops are made so it was a timely trip to answer her questions. We were able to watch hot sugar being poured onto the cooling tables and workers wrapping candy on to the sticks for lollipops. They make beautiful hard candy as well as their own caramels and chocolates. I liked the Mitchell Candy which is a handmade marshmallow wrapped in caramel.
I think we could have been happy with our samples but we did a little shopping too.

As a regular practice we try not to eat much candy. Lately I have been enjoying homemade granola as a healthy yet sweet snack. Both girls can help with the mixing and pouring parts of this recipe. This recipe came from my mom but I change it every time based on what I have on hand.

3 1/2 cups oatmeal
1/2 wheat germ
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 T cinnamon
1 tsp turmeric
1/4 cup cooking oil
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots

Mix dry ingredients together in a 9x13 in metal pan. Drizzle with oil and honey. Bake at 375
for 45 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes until toasty and golden brown. Stir in dried fruit while still warm. Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. We enjoy it over plain yogurt with fresh fruit.


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