Monday, July 11, 2011

A happy winter's day...

Even though we're in the middle of winter now, and the occasional early morning can sometimes be heavy with fog, most mornings are simply glorious out on the decking as the sun climbs over the horizon and peeks through our backyard forest of lofty trees.

Over the last couple of days I have been sprouting buckwheat kernels and soaking nuts in preparation for my favourite breakfast, Buckwheat Granola.

To sprout buckwheat kernels you will need to soak them in water for an hour, then drain and rinse. Keep them in a large strainer and every few hours rinse them under running water again. Depending on your climate they will begin to sprout within 24-48 hours. As soon as you see this happening it's time for one final rinse and then begin the process of dehydration.

Once sprouted, I mix the buckwheat kernels in a large bowl with the soaked nuts (pecans this time), shredded coconut, apricots, figs, prunes, cranberries, raisins (or a mix of any dried fruits you like) and then grind sesame seeds, sunflower kernels, and flaxseeds in the coffee grinder (which has never even seen a coffee bean) and mix this in to the bowl, along with coconut oil (or olive oil), the grated rind of one orange, a heaped teaspoon of cinnamon and about 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup.

Once it's all mixed together I spread the granola onto trays in my dehydrator. I set it to Low and after three or four hours give things a stir before continuing with the dehydration process overnight.

In the morning we wake to the beautiful aroma of cinnamon and fruit and my Granola is ready to eat and store!



 


Add a dollop of yoghurt, soy milk or un-homogenised milk and some fresh berries...




...and I am set for breakfast under the trees.




Might even take my sewing outside.




This is one of the designs in my next issue of Elefantz HOME magazine. Something happy. :-)
Something else happy is the gift that arrived in today's mail from Fee.




I feel very loved, and so professional.




Love ya, Fee.

~~~~~
What's making you happy today?
Hugs
Jenny
xxx

14 comments:

Margaret said...

Sounds like a perfect Winter morning. Healthy breakfasts in the sun, oh! what bliss.

Raewyn said...

That breakfast sounds yummy- and gluten free which is what I need - will have to try it :-)Your latest design looks gorgeous - the flower in the heart looks very cute!!

Deb said...

Oh what a perfect way to start the day and it sounds like it by your post very peppy.

My happiness this morning is the second week on my new job, finally am very happy!!

I had cheerios and blueberries for breakfast but thought of yours yum yum.
have a great day

Barb said...

Oh...I just got up and could use some of your granola, looks wonderful. also love your mail....

Wendy said...

Granola looks yummy! I am curious...are we finished the "give Thanks" project?

Fee said...

I think it's a perfect way to start the day. I couldn't translate all the ingredients but it looks very good. For me it is a little bit funny when you write about the "winter morning"
Here a winter morning f.e. in december is dark and cold. At the moment the sun is shining and we are sitting in the garden. Difficult to imagine that there is winter "on the other side" ;))
Have a great day,

Sabine

Stitched With Prayer said...

Your granola looks heavenly!!! I have granola mixed with yogurt almost every morning, though mine isn't home made, it is organic and very yummy. You asked what made us happy today...the hummingbirds buzzing around my feeders and my head as I watered the flowers I hang in my tree to ensure I have lots of red to attract. I think I've told you I love to sit outside in the evenings and visit with DH while I stitch and watch the birds at the feeders and in the tiny home made bird bath. It only holds two robins at a time but they love it and I love to watch them. The new project for you magazine has me very anxious to get it...your such a tease Jenny! Hugs...

Karen said...

I feel the same way as Fee. It's hard to imagine sitting on the porch in the middle of winter around here, brrrrr. What a lovely gift from Fee....a perfect bunting for your new venture, Dear.

Jean - Oksewnsew said...

Just reading your posts makes me HAPPY...;o) I can imagine myself there with you, in your lovely home and country. I've always wanted to go to Australia, you make it closer. Enjoy your 'cool' weather, we're at 106 to 110!! Come on WINTER...

Evelene S said...

Thanks for the tip about the using the coffee grinder, never would of thought of that in a million years!

Unknown said...

What a Lovely Giftie...Looks Great Haning Up.
Your Sneak Peak looks Gorgeous...
cheers

2ne said...

The food looks great :-)
I'm glad we have summer here - but it is not very good weather.....
Have a kreative and lovely week

Sherry said...

Sounds like a lovely morning. The granola looks so yummy I am getting hungry. Just wanted to tell you that I am very excited about the first issue of your magazine. I love it.

Unknown said...

I love the granola and it looks perfect for breakfasting under the trees. Your stitching always look inviting, smile. Fee's gift is awesome and so appropriate!!!

hugz