Apple Pie Granola

At my house we really enjoy granola, but it can be really expensive. I've tried a few recipes to make my own, but I had a hard time buying all the ingredients I would use maybe once or twice a year (ex. wheat germ, flax seed meal, oat bran soy grits (are those even real?)). These recipe has ingredients that I always have on hand! It's so good! It really does taste like Apple pie, just with nuts and raisins.

Apple Pie Granola

- 5 c. rolled oats

- 1 c. chopped apples

- 1 c. coarsely chopped pecans

- 1 c. raisins

- 3/4 c. butter or margarine, melted

- 3/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar

- 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Toast oats in ungreased 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 in. jelly roll pan in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. Combine toasted oats and remaining ingredients except raisins and mix well. Placed back in ungreased jelly roll pan. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally to brown evenly. After the first 15 minutes of baking time add the raisins in. Cool and stir until crumbly. Store in a tightly covered container in fridge. Makes about 9 cups.

I actually make this many times with the nuts. I even made it once without the apples and raisins, and it still tasted amazing!

(Source: Kathe M.)

Matty's Cheese Ball

For my first recipe I thought I would share a nice easy appetizer with you! It is an amazing cheese ball that goes great with almost any cracker.

Cream Cheese Ball

-16 oz cream cheese

-1 small can of crushed pineapple (it's about the size of a normal tuna can)

-1 minced green pepper (a smaller one is better)

-1/4 cup minced onion

-1 tsp seasoning salt (such as Lawry's)

-1 cup crushed pecans (or almonds or whatever you prefer)

-Crackers of choice

Drain the pineapple. Mix everything together but half of the pecans (set aside for later). I just use my hand to do this but you might try a food processor if you have one. Shape the lump into 2 balls (or 1 your choice) and roll them over the remaining pecans. I really like the toll house crackers, or club crackers with it. It's so good!

(Source: Matt W.)