Pickin' Blueberries

To celebrate the first day of Summer vacation the kids and I drove to Conroe, TX to pick blueberries at Moorhead Farms. The 40 minute drive from our home was well worth it! The children and I had such a good time and worked hard picking berries for our family. I was surprised how easy and enjoyable this task was (even for a toddler). The ripe blueberries came right off the branches, falling into our hands as we combed through the thick bushes. Nathan and Maren commented, "I sure wish Daddy were here" and "This is fun." From Sarah, "Yummy blueberries Mama!" We came away with four pounds of beautiful berries and honey straight from the farm. It's official, a family tradition in June will be pickin' blueberries!

A homemade treat we've enjoyed with our berries:

Down to Earth Granola

4 cups old-fashioned oats
1-1/2 cups sliced almonds or chopped pecans (we prefer pecans)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup cooking oil
1 tsp. vanilla
1-1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a bowl mix the oats, nuts, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. Stir well. In a saucepan warm the honey and oil. Whisk or stir in vanilla. Carefully pour liquid over at mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon; finish mixing by hand. Spread granola in a 15 X 10 X 1 inch baking pan (cookie sheet). Bake 40 minutes, stirring carefully every 10 minutes. Allow granola to cool completely. Remove granola from pan into an airtight container or plastic bags. Store at room temperature for 1 week or freezer for 3 monthes. Makes 9 cups.