Winter Cooking #1 - A big batch of Granola Love

I am pleased to say that this Christmas brought me two, big Mason jars full of homemade granola.  This is the second annual batch I've received....you may remember the pictures of the beautifully decorated jars of last year here.  (I'm quite certain that this year's batch was gobbled up and gone before my little camera made its way to the kitchen!)

 

This isn't just any old granola, but granola made especially for me by my dear friend.  This friend and I met 7 years ago when our oldest were babies.  We had both recently moved into this area and were desperate for a  like-minded mama friend.  One conversation and visit led to another and we eventually realized that we clicked.  From there it slowly became one of those call-you-every-day, get-together-with-kids-several-times-a-week, go-out-shopping-and-out-to-dinner when-we-could-get-away friendship.  It was a share-our-families, confide-in-each-other-about-a-positive-pregnancy-test, pray-for-each-other, grieve-together-over-a-miscarriage, talk-about-faith, and celebrate-a-new-baby kind of friendship.  It became a share-our-secrets, listening-ear, inside-joke, and have-a-good-cry friendship.

And when this friend called to tell me they were officially moving away for a job-transfer, I bawled like a baby.  Right there on the phone.  In the middle of the day.  (Wasn't it kind of me to make it so much easier on her? ahem.)

The plan was for them to move back...someday....when the time was right for her husband to return here for his job.  I was semi-hopeful.  (OK.  I'll be honest.  I never thought they were coming back.  another ahem.)

So, it was to my complete surprise when my friend called to tell me they were indeed moving back!  And, in a few short weeks at that.  I could not have been happier!!!  And when they purchased a home 4 minutes away from ours, I was thrilled and nostaglic and at great peace with the thought of being back in each other's daily lives.

But, since this post was really supposed to be about making granola, I should share that in addition to the two jars, my friend also gave me the gift that keep's on giving.....the recipe!

  

She put together a beautiful cookbook filled with her most favorite recipes and gave it to me for Christmas.  It was so thoughtful and so her, which makes me love it even more.  She even wrote handwritten notes on some of them.  I love looking at this handwriting that I have come to know over the years and remember the encouragement and kind words that it's brought me.

  

So, there's my story about my first batch of homemade granola.  And my friend who has given it to me.

(But I think maybe it's really the story of a special friendship that is and always will be very near and dear to my heart, in a way that even granola this good never could be!) 

 

Comments

[sandy toe]

I have never made granola...but that sure looks good...maybe a new thing for me in 2011!

sandy toe

[Ellen]

Oh yes, the recipe, please! There is such a calming and exciting feel when you connect/re-connect with a kindred spirit. I'm glad that she's so close to you in many ways and only 4 minutes away now? Smiles and sighs from here...

[Jen]

So are you going to share the recipe or will I have to beg!

[Christine]

Such kind words and a sweet walk down memory lane... thank you, my friend-- it's good to be back!