salty-sweet maple granola :: by radish*rose

salty sweet maple granola

Granola. What’s your favorite kind? It might be this one, once you give it a try – and a mason jar of it would make a really cute homemade gift for the holidays! What makes it so great? It’s kind of hard to describe how super-good this is, but I will try, because you really should make it, even if you’ve never made granola before (I hadn’t). First of all, it has an amazing balance of flavors – sweet and salty in just the right way. Secondly, it is almost half nuts, so it is extremely hearty and will keep you going all morning. Thirdly, you can change it up to suit yourself – just keep to the proportion of oats to nuts, but you could use any kind of nuts you want, or add herbs and spices. I might try a little rosemary next time. 
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sesame kabocha soup with crunchy maple topping :: by radish*rose

sesame kabocha soup with crunchy maple topping

Feeling like making something a little lighter, yet still comforting? Soup is your friend! Or maybe you’re looking for something to do with a random squash, like a kabocha, in your possession, and you’re ready to go beyond simple roasting. Here is a lovely and light, low-fat yet filling soup for your winter nights. Don’t skip making this topping – it is SO GOOD. It kind of reminds me of those little Asian sesame stick snacks which are my absolute favorite snack of all time – in fact, I can’t keep them in the house! And it does all this while being naturally vegan, darling. We had this with avocado toast on the side. (For avocado toast: Take a slice of hearty, whole grain toast, mash 1/2 avocado on top, and lightly salt & pepper to taste. Eat with everything!)  Continue reading