Peace and Plenty

I have wanted to change up our entrance way for a long time.

I just didn't know what I wanted to do.

I invited some friends for dinner next weekend and of course that is always the kick in the pants to get moving for me (maybe you too!).

 

I don't usually decorate for Autumn but I thought it might help me organize how to set up a vignette.

It doesn't matter what I had there before because it wasn't pretty.

I got an old singer sewing cabinet and machine from my mother in law, so after some rearranging,

 I put my other sewing cabinet in the entrance way.

This is the extent of the "Fall" decorating items I have.

I put them all together to see when we come and when we go.

I bought these mini pumpkins a few years ago on sale during the Christmas season.

I only got them because they were so cheap.

These golden fake leaves were purchased at the dollar store.

I love the old jugs.

The white ceramic pumpkin was purchased last year at the grocery store.

I love my country church but I'm thinking of changing the colour of the roof.

I put an old footstool underneath with a bowl of pears to represent the Fall bounty.

The wooden shoes needed a spot and they represent footwear for the rain and mud

(my uncle still wears them in the Netherlands).

This was my very first chalkboard project.

Amazing Grace is appropriate for any season, but when I get a chance I'll change it to Fall Blessings.

I bought some cute little signs several years ago at a craft show

 and thought this was perfect for this season.

Peace and Plenty.

It's amazing what a little bit of pretty does for your soul.

When I come home from work after a long day this will be the first thing I will see.

Ahhhh!

 

It's a beautiful Sunday afternoon here in Southern Ontario.

Here is my prayer for you today.

 

 

Blessings,

 

 

Linking to these parties

Finding Silver Pennies
Nifty Thrifty Things
Amaze me Monday at Dwellings-The heart of your home 

The art of homemaking Momdays at Strangers and Pilgrims on earth 

Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House 

 

 

 

Homemade Chunky Granola

Have you ever eaten something that you really wished you could have the recipe for?

 

And then, one day, there it is!

 

You make it, and by golly, it tastes just like you hoped it would.

 

My sister got me hooked on chunky granola from a Mennonite Bakery

not far from where we grew up.

But I live three hours away, so I am not able to easily purchase this and each bag costs $8.00.

I had always wanted to try to make my own granola, (cause I love it in yogurt!), but I wanted something exactly like the Mennonites made.

 

Recently, my sister-in-law sent me a link for a blog. I've known this girl for many years.

We grew up in the same church.

Her father was the Pastor. 

She has a blog with her three daughters and daughter-in-law.

You can find it here.

 

As I was reading through it, I happened upon a recipe for homemade chunky granola.

Bernice's post is here.

It was exactly the recipe I was looking for!

I couldn't wait to try it.

So now I'm going to share it with you, cause I love it!

First you have to pull out a large mixing bowl. I used a large orange Tupperware bowl.

 

Mix together:

1/3 cup honey

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil (I used olive oil)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

 

Add:

5 cups large-flaked oats

1 cup coconut

1 cup coarsely chopped almonds

Mix it all up together. I get my hands in there

Line a 15 x 10 jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

Use a spatula to firmly press the mixture in the pan.

Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.

There is NO stirring.

Yeah!!

When it is cooled, it can be broken up into pieces.

You can break the granola into whatever size you like!

Great for little snacks.

You can add raisins or dried cranberries or whatever you like in your granola after cooking it.

Store in a tightly closed container.

I have my granola stored in the old crown jars. I used a wide mouth funnel

 to pour the granola in so I wouldn't make a mess.

I made up a label on PicMonkey.

This would make a wonderful Christmas gift. I made one for

 my sister, my sister-in-law, and my Mom. I made a double recipe for this.

I purchased three large mason jars at Target for $3.49 each.

A wonderful homemade gift for under $10.00

But who doesn't love a homemade gift?!!

I wrapped the label with thin jute so it can easily come off for washing

 and is not dangling and getting in the way.

It really is very good!

It's so easy and so tasty.

 When I want a quick snack, I'll reach in a grab a chunk!

 

This recipe for Super-Chunky Granola was adapted by the

Cooks Illustrated magazine; March/April 2012

 

Blessings,

 

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