Easy Homemade Nutty Vegan Granola

Easy Homemade Nutty Vegan Granola

Hello! I hope your week has been going well and you are still keeping your head above water with all the added chores and stress that inevitably comes with the festive season.

I had a nightmare about writing Christmas cards the other night. It was as if I just could not get the spelling right and had to waste many cards and just could not complete the stack that I had to write. Of course I woke up and realised that it was a dream but the reality remains that I still have a huge stack of cards to write and send.

Anyway, there was nothing inspiring for breakfast in the pantry so I decided to make this Nutty Granola. I have been experimenting with a whole lot of granola recipes this year and had my fair share of hits and misses. I remember a recipe I got from a world renown chef’s cookbook only to have it turn out tasting like a Chinese takeout with too much sesame seeds. My friend’s words, not mine.

Cranberries, Sultanas & Walnut Bread

Freshly Baked Cranberries, Sultanas and Walnut Bread

Let me start off by saying that this bread recipe is something well worth having in your recipe index. I have made this many a time and it is a firm favourite in my house. Each bite of soft bread is accompanied by juicy fruits and nuts. It tastes lovely as it is, but it tastes even better if you warm it up.

It is not at all difficult to make. The baking process is very similar to that of cinnamon buns except that instead of cutting the rolled up dough into pieces, you have to cut down the length it and twist it to form a "couronne" or crown. This recipe was adapted from Paul Hollywood's book "How to Bake", originally made using apricots, I found that I personally preferred using cranberries. In addition, I have also removed marzipan from the recipe. It is a matter of personal preference but you can of course stick to the original recipe and use apricots and marzipan.

Carrot and Sultana Muffins

Carrot and Sultana Muffins

I love muffins that have a nice distinct muffin top, a little crusty and soft and moist inside. If I had to pick a flavour, carrot would be my choice. It must be the spices in it, the moistness, the heavenly smell when it is baking - the aroma wafting from the kitchen to your entire house, it is a culinary experience that is so richly comforting and satisfying. If there is a bottled home fragrance for carrot muffins, I would undoubtedly buy it for my home. Until such a day, I shall be content with baking wonderful carrot muffins. It's not such a bad idea I think.