I look from my kitchen at the bird traffic outside my sunny east window.  The luncheon crowd at the feeder is dominated by our resident cardinal and his dusky mate.  Self-service is messy, and seeds  scatter on the deck where the squirrels are waiting.   Back on task I realize that I’m assembling the same seeds the birds are eating for a holiday granola treat.  Seems we all need seed fuel in cold weather.

This gift of toasted granola is actually my daughter Celia’s idea.  She values a bowl on days when she commutes into Manhattan and knows lunch will be a quick sandwich hours later.  I remembered the flavors she likes when I added crystallized ginger, dried cranberries and pecans to the standard rolled oats and then mixed in various seeds - sunflower, golden flax and sesame - for good measure.  Warm from the oven and fragrant with cinnamon and honey, homemade granola is irresistable.  I find myself  nibbling it just like the critters do outside.

Recipe for ‘Rise and Shine’ Granola:
:http://www.chezm.com/welcome-to-recipes/59-uncategorized/679-granola

When holiday demands get too intense, I relax by imagining that I’m in Paris.  I encourage you to try this form of self-medication by enrolling in one of next year’s tours in Montmartre.   In addition to the April 15 - 22 and September 9 - 16 tours I’ve added a Spring Break special from March 25 to April 1.  A few spaces remain and the price will  increase on January 1, 2012.  You’ll want to take advantage of current pricing and availability soon.

Info at: http://www.chezm.com/tours-montmartre-2010/tours-montmartre-2012

Last Updated (Tuesday, 13 December 2011 19:45)

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