RECIPE 6: Decidedly Not-Sweet Granola

Another busy week of cooking and eating in quarantine. And thank gahd for Alison Roman! This week Paulo and I took on Decidedly Not-Sweet Granola from Dining In. I upped my game with using the granola as an ingredient (per Alison's direction) to make Smashed Cucumbers and Scallions over Garlicky Yogurt.

First, let's talk about the granola. It's heavy on seeds - which the Hubs and I loved not only for color and texture but taste. It's likely one of the healthier dishes in the cookbook, which is good for us and not gaining what I've been calling the COVID-19.

The addition of cucumbers and yogurt only makes the granola sing further. An added bonus is that this dish transports you a Mediterranean coast with its mix of creamy tartness, lemon, olive oil and healthy dose of garlic. Perfect for a sunny spring lunch or afternoon snack. Raise your hand if you're ready for a vacation?

I only have one bone to pick... Alison includes the yogurt recipe in her "Savory Breakfast" section of the cookbook and both the Hubs and I agreed this was not a morning meal. Brunch/lunch/afternoon snack? 100%. But for breakfast this dish would be a bit much with all that tangy garlic. Maybe this is because we get up early with our two year old and no longer sleep in? Do me a favor and give this recipe a whirl and let me know what you think. It's time to hive mind!

RECIPE 4: Kinda-Sweet Granola with Coconut and Tumeric

With COVID-19 keeping us home, Alison Roman really comes through with her Kinda-Sweet Granola with Coconut and Turmeric from Dining In. Not only is this colorful and scrumptious but it is the most simple recipe we've cooked yet. 

It's a dump it all together, mix and bake type of situation, which means it's approachable for everyone. So what are you waiting for?

I added some dried cherries to the mix post-bake and now this granola is a slight nod to Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey - which means it's D-A-N-G-E-R-O-U-S. Without the added dried fruit this granola may be a little flat but as Alison notes this should treated as a base for morning creativity.

With full fat Greek yogurt, this breakfast delight or snack is also toddler approved - WINNING! And it's not so sweet you feel like it should be a dessert.

Now recipe four is complete, any requests? AND don't forget that if you're cooking with us, post a photo with #pandwdinein