Granola

It's like those honey granola bars, but again, all natural. It feels great to make something without all the preservatives and additives. We love this granola. It's simple but you can dress it up any way you want it.

Adapted from http://www.food.com/

3 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
½-¾ cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons grapeseed oil (or safflower or canola)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Combine oats, walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt together in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl,mix maple syrup, vanilla, and oil.
4. Pour syrup mixture over oat mixture and combine until all ingredients are well incorporated.
5. Spread mixture onto parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake 15 minutes.
6. Stir and return to the oven 10 minutes longer (to make it crunchier, cook 15 minutes).
7. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
8. Granola may be stored up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.

Taco Meat

Why even buy the seasoning packet, when it's so easy to do it yourself and you don't have any weird seasoning additives either? Exactly, and that's why I find myself on Ellis Eats grabbing this great taco recipe. Thanks again, Nakita!

Serves 4

2 tablespoons canola oil
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 pound ground beef
1 to 3 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil and chopped onion. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat into smaller chunks, until it is cooked through.

Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for a minute and then add the tomato sauce. Turn the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer the meat mixture for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.