Homemade Goodies for the holidays!

Today was a great day to bake... It's been raining for a few days, it's cold and wet out and what's better than a house that smells like cinnamon and chocolate!

I am cooking for a great event that I am doing with a few other small business owners...  It's a Holiday boutique in Woodland Hills and we will have Stacie Bass embellished Havaianas, Couture Keys, Designer wrap bracelets by Pat Jennings, gourmet nibbles courtesy of moi, Eyelash Extensions by Deb and "Cash for Gold."  If you bring your old (even damaged) gold, you will have money to spend on all the great stuff we will have for sale and GREAT prices!!   Pick up some last minute Christmas gifts or something nice for yourself - you deserve it!

I am making some savory vegetarian and vegan bites for people to sample (mushroom and artichoke crostinis and avocado and olive vegan quesadillas) as well as some delicious baked goods for sale (cranberry white chocolate biscotti, vegan chocolate mini cupcakes and home made chunky granola).  If you are in the area you should come down!  You can find out more by going to http://www.facebook.com/chowfornow and click on my "events" tab.

I must share this granola recipe from Bon Appetit because it's easy and delicious with Greek yogurt, almond milk or even over ice cream!

Chunky Date, Coconut, and Almond Granola

Yield: Makes about 6 cups 2 cups old-fashioned oats 3/4 cup whole almonds, halved 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut 1/2 cup raw cashews 1/3 cup (packed) brown sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter 2 tablespoons honey 1 cup (packed) pitted dates, each cut crosswise into thirds Preheat oven to 300°F. Mix first 7 ingredients in large bowl. Melt butter with honey in heavy small saucepan over low heat. Pour over granola mixture and toss well. Spread out mixture on baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add dates; mix to separate any clumps. Continue to bake until granola is golden brown, stirring frequently, about 15 minutes longer. Cool. Do ahead Can be made 2 weeks ahead. Store airtight at room temperature. Granola biscotti and cupcakes

Hope to see you tomorrow!

Chow for Now.  :)