The Perfect Granola?

Friends of GOGC, I have a quandry. I am in love with some rather expensive granola over at Urth Caffe. As far as I can tell, it consists of oats, almonds, raisins, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, spices, and a little honey. But there's more to it, and I just can't figure it out. It's perfect because it's oven-baked, so it's dry and crunchy, it's not too sweet, and the different textures make each spoonful interesting.

Anybody got any good granola recipes?

Better suited for St. Patrick's Day?

I can’t remember if M and I have ever eaten out on Valentine’s Day. Here’s our simple V-day dinner menu:

Grilled Halibut Steaks with Shallots, Pepper and Basil
Halibut steaks were rubbed with EVOO, salt, lemon pepper then grilled on direct heat. While the steaks were grilling I sautéed a chopped shallot and crushed red pepper in EVOO, added white wine, boiled until reduced by about half. Mixed in some chopped basil. Spooned the sauce over fish.

Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus was dressed with EVOO, salt and lots of lemon zest. I do love my microplane.

Salad
Baby greens, croutons, and Parmesan cheese, dressed with lemon juice, honey and EVOO



Farm Brownie with Double Rainbow French Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Sunflower Seed Drops



The Chocolate Sunflower Seed Drops are a Trader Joe's find. They are sunflower seeds coated in chocolate then candy covered. What made me buy them was the fact that they are free of artificial flavors, colors and preservatives, hence why they aren't crazy colored. They are really unbelievable; neither the chocolate nor the candy coating dominates the sunflower seed.

Valentine's Day Drinking Chocolate - Video Recipe Card #1

Specially for Valentine's Day, here's the first GOGC video podcast! In just a few minutes, learn to make some delicious drinking chocolate... like Chantico from Starbucks, but better.

Download Video Recipe Card #1 right here (video iPod compatible)