Granola

Not only is this fun to make, we love to mix it with yogurt and fresh berries for breakfast! It's pretty in clear jars tied with ribbon for gifts.

4 C. old-fashioned oats (not the quick cook kind)
1 C. sliced almonds
1/2 C. unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 C. unsalted sunflower seeds
1/2 C. pure maple syrup
2 T. canola oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1 C. assorted dried fruit- craisins, golden raisins, cherries, diced apricots, etc.

On large baking sheet, scatter oats, almonds, coconut, sunflower seeds.
Drizzle with syrup, oil, and salt. Toss to coat.

Bake @ 350* for 25-30 minutes.
Cool. Add dried fruit and store in airtight container.

{LDM}

Creamy Artichoke Soup

2 T. Extra-virgin olive oil
2 leeks (white part only), chopped
1 clove garlic
1 small potato, peeled & cubed
8oz. can artichoke hearts
2 C. chicken broth
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 T. + 1/3 C. marscapone cheese
Chopped chives, for garnish

Add leeks and garlic to oil. Add potato and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
Add artichokes, broth, salt and pepper, and cook until everything is tender, 20 minutes or so.

Remove ingredients from skillet, and place in blender or food processor.
Puree the soup.
Add 2 T. of cheese at a time until incorporated.

Ladle soup into bowls, top with additional cheese and chives.

{LDM}

Singapore Salsa

Target sells a pineapple salsa that's fabulous- this homemade recipe is even better!

2 cans diced tomatoes with jalapenos
1 can peaches, drained
1 medium purple onion, diced
1 bunch fresh cilantro
1 tsp. salt
Juice of 1-2 limes
1 T. minced garlic

Throw all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
Serve with tortilla chips.

{LDM}

Lemony Ranch Dressing

Not too long ago, Miss Lady, you pushed away your dinner plate full of chicken nuggets and French fries and bogarted my entire dinner salad ... topped with a peppery ranch dressing. I'll gladly give up my veggies for you any day!

1/2 C. mayonnaise
1/4 C. sour cream
1 T. milk
1 T. fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. dried minced onion
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. lemon pepper seasoning
Pinch dill weed
Salt, to taste

Whisk the ingredients in order given.
Refrigerate well before serving.

{LDM}

Quick Beef Bourguignonne

Beef Bourguignonne is a classic French dish recently made popular by the novel (and film) Julie & Julia. I found this recipe a few years ago in the Fake It, Don't Make It section of my favorite magazine, Real Simple.
It really is.

1 T. olive oil
1 1/4#. sirloin steak, cut into 1" pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
10. package fresh mushrooms
8oz. frozen pearl onions
2 C. red wine
1 can golden-mushroom soup
1/4 C. water
1/2 C. flat-leaf parsley
2/3 C. heavy whipping cream (optional, it's my modification)

Heat oil in saucepan over medium-high. Season steak with salt and pepper and cook until barely browned.
Transfer steak to bowl and set aside.

In same skillet, add mushrooms and onions and cook until liquid has evaporated. Add wine and simmer until reduced by half; 5-6 minutes.

Stir in soup and water and bring to a boil.
Remove from heat and stir in cream.

Add steak and juices from bowl and simmer 2 minutes.

Garnish with parsley.

{LDM}

Chocolate Buttercream Icing

6 T. butter
2 2/3 C. powdered sugar
1/2 C. baking cocoa
1/3 C. milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Beat butter; add sugar and cocoa alternating with milk.
Once spreading consistency is achieved, add vanilla.

{LDM}

White Sangria

Sangria reminds me of your auntie Mo.
It's summer. Find a patio, deck, dock, or porch and get to sippin'!

1/2 C. sugar
1 C. Grand Marnier orange liqueur
1 C. vodka
2 medium peaches, sliced
1 medium orange, cut into wedges
1 lemon, cut into wedges
1 lime, cut into wedges
1-750ml. bottle dry white wine
1 bottle club soda

In half gallon pitcher, stir sugar, Grand Marnier, and vodka until sugar dissolves.
Pour half into another pitcher.
Divid fruit and wine evenly and refrigerate both pitchers.

Add club soda to each pitcher prior to serving, and serve over ice.
Garnish with additional fruit slices.

{LDM}