Easy Fall Granola

I've always wanted to make my own granola because I didn't like the fat- and sugaroverload in the granola you can buy. Also the really yummy ones usually aren't vegan. My first attempt with sprouted buckwheat turned out to be good, but way too hard, so I could use it for overnight oats only. My second attempt was easier, quicker and better:

1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats (wholegrain)
1/2 cup soft rolled oats (wholegrain)
Raisins
Cinnamon
Soft dried apple, chopped
Pecans, chopped
1-2 tbs maple syrup

Stir everything, except for the maple syrup, in a pan together, then add the maple syrup and stir well!
"Toast" the Granola for a few minutes on medium high and keep stirring. Then transfer to a backing sheet and let cool completely.
It'll stay fresh in the fridge for a few days. Make sure to use an airtight container or jar.

I make it in the morning and we have the first portion  (1/4 cup is enough!) still slightly warm with some soy yoghurt (right now I'm experimenting with making my own home made yoghurt, so watch out for the recipe!) and fruit. We like banana, but blueberries or raspberries would go along well with it!

pressure cooker rice 'n' beans

A few days ago I cooked rice and beans for the first time as a whole dish together in the pressure cooker!

I used:

1c pinto beans
1c black beans
1c black rice
1c red rice
Garlic, onion, jalapeños, salt, pepper, cumin, chili and cayenne pepper to taste
40 minutes + NR

Then I stirred in 1c frozen/defrosted sweetcorn (could've used 2 cups!) and (1) 300-350ml (1-1.5c) jar of salsa piccante and let sit on keep warm for 5-10 minutes.

I used it as a burrito filling along with some tomatoes, cucumber and spring onion. My son just ate it straight from the bowl with the veggies.
Cilantro would be a good addition also more fresh veggies and avocado would make it a fuller meal.

So easy, healthy and delicious! I'll definitely make this more often in the future! 

slow cooked apple sauce

I love apple sauce with several different dishes like rice pudding, waffles, pancakes, muesli, porridge or even a quick and easy apple pie etc. so whenever my favorite apples for apple sauce come in season I make 1-2 big batches and that'll tie me over for the whole year! Making apple sauce is really an idiot proof recipe but making it in the slow cooker is even easier!

Personally I prefer boskop or braeburn apples.
The other ingredient you'll need besides apples is cinnamon and that is optional and used to taste.

I have a 3.5ltr slow cooker which holds 3kg of apples cut in 1/8th chunks. It's filled to the top but it'll reduce after a few hours of cooking.

I fill my slow cooker with peeled apples and sprinkle a lot of cinnamon (make sure to use organic cinnamon! And yes, I love a lot of cinnamon!) in between layers. Then I cook it on low over night. (Anywhere from 10-14hrs. This is a really forgiving recipe). Mash or purrée the apples. Personally I like it a little chunky.
Then fill it in jars (still hot!) and let cool on the counter. :)

If you're in a hurry and want to make a smaller portion only you can cut your apples smaller and cook on high for 3-4hrs.

Btw hot apple sauce makes perfect company to vanilla (n)icecream :) and is a great and easy homemade dessert if you have dinner guests!

Pressure cooker potato and split pea soup

Today I threw a quick soup together. Nothing fancy but damn well delicious for a cold fall or winter day! And it's so quick 'n' easy to make:

2 cups chopped potatoes
2 cups chopped carrots
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1/2-3/4 cup chopped onion
1 cup yellow split peas

Spices: use whatever you like, but I used: nutmeg, cayenne pepper, garlic powder  (you can use fresh, I just took the lazy route today), vegetable broth (the powdered kind)

Add 5-7 cups of water, depending on desired consistency.

Then cook 12-15 minutes on manual with high pressure and let pressure release naturally for a while (sorry, I didn't time it I just waited a few minutes and then did a quick release!)
You can also make this on the stove top, but it'll take about 30-40 minutes to cook, depending on the split peas you use!

Enjoy!