By Ron,
NOTE: If you have kids this is a good (albeit rambling) post to read, a simple recipe follows.
OK, I am past the half decade age line. I am well aware of the way that foods like granola are perceived. Even though you have been able to by 100 varieties of the stuff in the bulk area of the Natural Foods section for 20 years (and I refer to natural foods section with clear memory of food cooperatives and real natural food stores predating the Whole Foods industrial organic phenomenon and the Kroger or Wal-Mart WF knock offs) the image is still airheaded, hippy, peace love and granola.
To quote Elvis Costello (sorta) "what's so funny 'bout peace, love and granola?"
For one, the name has been co-opted by the food industry. I have been reading "in Defense of Food," by Michael Pollan. It will open your eyes. His primary point, made in the first paragraph, is: "eat food." Further explanation makes it clear that most of what we eat is processed so much it hardly counts for food (oft times referred to in the book as "food-like" products (I just love Michael Pollan's humor!) What is Velveeta Cheese Food anyway?
Granola survives (barely) under the weight of all this attitude and theft of purpose. At its core it is a very simple wholesome REAL FOOD alternative to sugar cereals. And it is far cheaper than the industrial organic processed "story*" in a $3.80 box that passes for "natural cereal." And don't get me wrong, I fed my children Fruit-e-o's when they were young. It was partly to make them feel a little less strange that their parents would not let them drink Coke or eat McDonald's, and partly just being worn down by the Madison Avenue style assaults on my true beliefs. <sigh> That is another blog entirely.
I rediscovered granola the other day. Maybe it's because we have several gallons of fresh milk from our cow in the fridge at any given time. I stopped drinking milk. But the ½ gallon jars of whitish liquid topped by thick yellow cream (sometimes as much as 50%) got me started again. What an amazing whole, real food that is. And since I try to avoid cookies (I only eat them if I make them and if none of the kids are around I safely avoid having them in the house) my brain automatically honed in on an old childhood habit of craving cereal and milk (see how the food industry has trained us?) Well, the craving is not too bad, as long as you can substitute REAL FOOD for processed trash.
Here is what I made:
(A detail of the measurements follows, but this should give you an idea of the speed and simplicity with which you can whip this up.)
Take 2 handfuls of rolled oats. Put them in a large mixing bowl with a big splash of pure maple syrup. Shake a little salt on it. Throw in a half handful of raw pecans and raw almonds, a couple of pinches or raw, hulled sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds and a small splash of vegetable oil (if you like olive oil use that, it may be less processed – I try to use organic oils when possible and cold pressed as well, but the sad fact is that the amount of processing makes these foods subject and making your own is a real arduous process, though I want to try sometime soon.
Mix is together and spread it on a baking sheet. Roast at 300 for 10 minute intervals until it begins to brown, stirring before you reset the timer.
Let cool, because it will crisp up and become crunchy. Crunchy oats are more likely to be chewed well; there is some digestion that occurs with carbohydrates in the mouth. You defeat this process if foods like oats are not properly chewed. Eat immediately for the best cereal and milk experience of your life. It can be stored in an air tight container for a couple of days. Refrigeration may help retain freshness but eating it a lot does a better job. Always make small batches.
We used to give this to our kids. You can put it in a plastic bag for a car snack, mix it with dried fruit, eat it plain or bake it into cookies. You can also put anything else into it that strikes your fancy. Every type of nut and seed (sesame seeds are really good) small amounts of raw grains like Quinoa and amaranth, and spices like cinnamon are all valid safe additions. Get crazy and try wasabi dried peas and Chinese 5 spice powder.
Measurements for the apprehensive:
2 Cups whole rolled oats (get organic foods, at least then you know there is less crap in it)
¼ Cup pure maple syrup (get real Vermont in bulk, keep it in the fridge. #2 is better than #1 because it is less refined – READ: PROCESSED)
½ Cup each, Raw Pecans and Raw un-blanched almonds (the vitamins and micro nutrients are in the skins)
¼ Cup good quality oil. Plus a squirt in the backing sheet to reduce sticking
NOTE: Expect this to take a ½ hour to roast in a preheated oven. Shorten the time between checking to 5 minute sessions toward the end and do not try to feed your kids burned granola or then will never eat the stuff again. It should be lightly browned, not blackened. Don't laugh, it is easy to burn. My wife, Karen, has burned this stuff (so have I) and then said, "Oh, it tastes just fine!" No, it tastes bitter and burned and leaves a crap taste in your mouth. Don't do it. If you burn it start over.
It is only hard to feed kids REAL FOOD if they think it tastes like cardboard. Foods like this one are so delicious (especially with fresh, ripe fruit on top)that they will always enjoy it. Make a variety of changes. Involve young ones in the process, it is easy to make and safe (up to the oven part).
And for those of us that can't get good milk (or fresh raw milk) or who may be unable to drink milk, this cereal tastes pretty good with fruit juice on it as well. Even orange juice will not clash with its ingredients.
I make this food at HillHouse as part of our gourmet fare. Good food does not have to be complex or fancy. Good food just has to be REAL.
I have a fresh white peach sitting on the counter that has become so ripe it fills the room with its perfume. I think I'll slice it up on my bowl of warm granola and cold milk. Eating real food is a pleasure. This is one of the primary keys to real health (as opposed to the idea of, or the superficial appearance of health).
And you don't have to be a hippy to like it.
*If you read "the omnivore's dilemma," also by Mr. Pollan, he makes it clear that most of what we are buying in stores like Whole Foods is the "story" that is accompanying the food. The pictures on the wall, the descriptions of the pastoral scenes where animals amble and graze…
There is factual point made that this "story" does not always match up with the real origin of the foods it is designed to promote. The sad fact is that most food in the industrial food system does not come from the sort of farms that we picture. It is sad and frightening, but it is true and we should all come to grips with the fact that our food system is not benefitting the eater. Not recognizing this truth may lead to early death or disease. Contact me at ron@hillhousewriters.com for more information about this subject or read Michael Pollan's enormously entertaining and informative books. You can also Google "Food Inc." for more information.
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