Her skin bristles when someone calls her granola head. It feels derisive, even though she probably fits the description—she’s a vegetarian with leftist leanings, her hair is un-dyed grey, she doesn’t wear a lot of makeup, and yes, she inhaled. She makes apple juice and maple syrup sweetened healthy homemade granola –does that make her a granola head?

Apple juice and maple syrup sweeten this nutty granola–a recipe I got from my friend Abhilasha. Abhilasha and her husband Pujari offer retreats in the mountains of southern Utah–she cooks incredible vegetarian meals and he teaches yoga and meditation to their guests. Naturally sweetened, and with a strong ratio of nuts to oats, –you will be keeping a jar of Abhilasha’s homemade granola on hand at all times–it’s the best!

Spicy with cayenne and mustard, all tender melt-in-the-mouth with butter and cheese, and crunchy from the cornmeal, here is New Year’s Eve’s appetizer, cornmeal cheddar cheese coins. You’ll find me cozy at home, munching these addictive savory bites and sipping a glass of champagne.

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